initial commit of ebook 21841HEAD main

author: Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> 2025-10-15 01:46:11 -0700
committer: Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> 2025-10-15 01:46:11 -0700
commit: 65b1ddf6e5ef069cea826bd197bbbf5bc7ad5858 (patch)
tree: 4e746188dcea99ec4f5ab043c7404a0e96d59057
237 files changed, 14303 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/21841-h.zip b/21841-h.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..99be04c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-h.zip
diff --git a/21841-h/21841-h.htm b/21841-h/21841-h.htm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..86f373a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-h/21841-h.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,8174 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN"
+    "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd">
+<html>
+<head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" />
+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Saddle Boys in the Grand Canyon, by James Carson</title>
+    <style type="text/css">
+/*<![CDATA[  XML blockout */
+<!--
+    p {  margin-top: .75em;
+         text-align: justify;
+         margin-bottom: .75em;
+         }
+    h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {
+         text-align: center; /* all headings centered */
+         clear: both;
+         }
+
+    hr { width: 65%;
+	 margin-top: 2em;
+	 margin-bottom: 2em;
+         margin-left: auto;
+         margin-right: auto;
+         clear: both;
+       }
+
+    table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;}
+
+    body{margin-left: 10%;
+         margin-right: 10%;
+        }
+
+    .pagenum  {/* left-margin page numbers */
+                display: inline;	/* set to "none" to make #s disappear	*/
+                font-size: 70%;		/* tiny type.. */
+                text-align: right;	/* ..right-justified.. */
+                position: absolute;
+                right: 95%; /* ..in the right margin.. */
+                padding: 0 0 0 0 ;	/* ..very compact */
+                margin: 0 0 0 0;
+                font-weight: 400;  /* normal weight */
+                font-style: normal;
+                text-decoration: none;
+                color: silver;
+                text-indent: 0;
+                } /* page numbers */
+
+    .center   {text-align: center;}
+    .smcap    {font-variant: small-caps;}
+    .u        {text-decoration: underline;}
+
+    .space {margin-top: 50px;}
+
+    a {text-decoration: none; }
+
+    .caption  {font-weight: bold;}
+
+    .figcenter   {margin: auto; text-align: center;}
+
+    .figleft     {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top:
+                 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center;}
+
+    .figright    {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;
+                 margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;}
+
+    .imgl  {float: left; padding: .5em 1em .5em 0em; text-align: center;}
+
+    .image {font-size: small; text-align: center;}
+    .jpg {border: thin solid; margin-top: 50px; border-color: #996699;}
+
+    .totoc    {position: absolute; right: 2%; font-size: 75%; text-align: right;} /* Table of contents anchor */
+
+    .author  {font-variant: small-caps; font-size: small; text-decoration: underline overline; }
+    .small   {font-size: small;}
+    .tabmid  {border-right: 1px black solid; padding-right: .5em;}
+    hr.full { width: 100%;
+              margin-top: 0em;
+              margin-bottom: 0em;
+              border: solid black;
+              height: 5px; }
+    pre      {font-size: 80%; }
+    // -->
+    /* XML end  ]]>*/
+    </style>
+</head>
+<body>
+<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Saddle Boys in the Grand Canyon, by James
+Carson</h1>
+<pre>
+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 <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre>
+<p>Title: The Saddle Boys in the Grand Canyon</p>
+<p>       or The Hermit of the Cave</p>
+<p>Author: James Carson</p>
+<p>Release Date: June 15, 2007  [eBook #21841]</p>
+<p>[Last updated: March 10, 2011]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SADDLE BOYS IN THE GRAND CANYON***</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h3>E-text prepared by Mark C. Orton, Thomas Strong, Linda McKeown,<br />
+    and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br />
+    (http://www.pgdp.net)</h3>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<a name="bookspine" id="bookspine"></a>
+<p class="center"><a name="image-1" id="image-1"><!-- Image 1 --></a>
+<img src="images/covers.jpg" class="jpg" height="600" width="400" alt="BOOK COVER" title="caption" /></p>
+<p class="image"><a name="cover" id="cover" href="images/coverx.jpg" class="image">
+View larger image</a></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[Pg&nbsp;i]</a></span></p>
+
+<h1 class="space">The Saddle Boys<br />
+in the Grand Canyon</h1>
+
+<h4>Or</h4>
+
+<h3>The Hermit of the Cave</h3>
+
+<br />
+
+<h4>BY</h4>
+
+<br />
+
+<h2>CAPTAIN JAMES CARSON</h2>
+
+<p class="center">AUTHOR OF "THE SADDLE BOYS OF THE ROCKIES," "THE SADDLE<br />
+BOYS ON THE PLAINS," "THE SADDLE BOYS AT<br />
+CIRCLE RANCH," ETC.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+
+<h3>ILLUSTRATED</h3>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">new york</span><br />
+CUPPLES &amp; LEON COMPANY<br />
+<span class="smcap">publishers</span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">[Pg&nbsp;ii]</a></span>
+
+<p class="center">BOOKS FOR BOYS<br /></p>
+
+<p class="center">BY CAPTAIN JAMES CARSON</p>
+
+<h3>THE SADDLE BOYS SERIES</h3>
+
+<p class="center">12mo. Cloth. Illustrated.</p>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 9em;">THE SADDLE BOYS OF THE ROCKIES<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Or, Lost On Thunder Mountain<br /><br />
+
+THE SADDLE BOYS IN THE GRAND CANYON<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Or, The Hermit of the Cave<br /><br />
+
+THE SADDLE BOYS ON THE PLAINS<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Or, After a Treasure of Gold<br /><br />
+
+THE SADDLE BOYS AT CIRCLE RANCH<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Or, In At The Grand Round-Up</p><br />
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Cupples &amp; Leon Co Publishers, New York</span>.</p>
+
+<hr />
+<p class="center">Copyrighted 1913, by<br />
+<span class="smcap">Cupples &amp; Leon Company</span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">The Saddle Boys in the Grand Canyon</span></p>
+<br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 25em;">Printed in U.S.A.</span>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[Pg&nbsp;iii]</a></span></p>
+
+<a name="toc" id="toc"></a>
+<h2 class="space">CONTENTS</h2>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Table of Contents" style="width: 80%;">
+  <tr>
+  <td align='right' style="width: 10%;">CHAPTER.</td>
+  <td align='right' style="width: 70%;">&nbsp;</td>
+  <td align='right' style="width: 20%;">PAGE</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td align='right'>I.</td>
+  <td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Work of the Wolf Pack</span></td>
+  <td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_I">1</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td align='right'>II.</td>
+  <td align='left'><span class="smcap">Ridding the Range of a Pest</span></td>
+  <td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_II">11</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td align='right'>III.</td>
+  <td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Floating Bottle</span></td>
+  <td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_III">21</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td align='right'>IV.</td>
+  <td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Listener Under the Window</span></td>
+  <td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">34</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td align='right'>V.</td>
+  <td align='left'><span class="smcap">Starting for the Grand Canyon</span></td>
+  <td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_V">46</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td align='right'>VI.</td>
+  <td align='left'><span class="smcap">Buckskin on Guard</span></td>
+  <td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">54</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td align='right'>VII.</td>
+  <td align='left'><span class="smcap">Standing by the Law</span></td>
+  <td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">62</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td align='right'>VIII.</td>
+  <td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Moqui Who Was Caught Napping</span></td>
+  <td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">71</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td align='right'>IX.</td>
+  <td align='left'>"<span class="smcap">Talk About Luck!</span>"</td>
+  <td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">79</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td align='right'>X.</td>
+  <td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Copper-colored Messenger</span></td>
+  <td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_X">87</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td align='right'>XI.</td>
+  <td align='left'><span class="smcap">At the Grand Canyon</span></td>
+  <td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">98</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td align='right'>XII.</td>
+  <td align='left'><span class="smcap">How the Little Trap Worked</span></td>
+  <td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">105</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td align='right'>XIII.</td>
+  <td align='left'><span class="smcap">Going Down the Canyon Trail</span></td>
+  <td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">116</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td align='right'>XIV.</td>
+  <td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Home of the Cliff Dwellers</span></td>
+  <td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">124</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td align='right'>XV.</td>
+  <td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Treacherous Guide</span></td>
+  <td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">135</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td align='right'>XVI.</td>
+  <td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Wonderful Discovery</span></td>
+  <td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">143</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td align='right'>XVII.</td>
+  <td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Windows in the Rocky Walls</span></td>
+  <td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">151</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td align='right'>XVIII.</td>
+  <td align='left'><span class="smcap">Finding a Way Up</span></td>
+  <td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">158</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td align='right'>XIX.</td>
+  <td align='left'><span class="smcap">Fortune Still Favors The Brave</span></td>
+  <td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">167</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td align='right'>XX.</td>
+  <td align='left'><span class="smcap">Another Surprise</span></td>
+  <td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">175</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td align='right'>XXI.</td>
+  <td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Little Old Man of Echo Cave</span></td>
+  <td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">184</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td align='right'>XXII.</td>
+  <td align='left'><span class="smcap">Turning the Tables&mdash;Conclusion</span></td>
+  <td align='right'><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">195</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  </table><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[Pg&nbsp;iv]</a></span>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h1 class="space"><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I">THE SADDLE BOYS IN<br />
+THE GRAND CANYON</a></h1>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg&nbsp;1]</a></span>
+<br />
+
+<h2>CHAPTER I</h2>
+
+<h3>THE WORK OF THE WOLF PACK</h3>
+
+<br />
+
+<p>"Hold up, Bob!"</p>
+
+<p>"Any signs of the lame yearling, Frank?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, there seems to be something over
+yonder to the west; but the sage crops up, and
+interferes a little with my view."</p>
+
+<p>"Here, take the field glasses and look; while
+I cinch my saddle girth, which has loosened
+again."</p>
+
+<p>Frank Haywood adjusted the glasses to his
+eye. Then, rising in his saddle, he gazed long
+and earnestly in the direction he had indicated.
+Meanwhile his companion, also a lad, a native of
+Kentucky, and answering to the name of Bob
+Archer, busied himself about the band of his saddle,
+having leaped to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>Frank was the only son of a rancher and mine
+owner, Colonel Leonidas Haywood, who was
+a man of some wealth. Frank had blue eyes, and
+tawny-colored hair; and, since much of his life
+had been spent on the plains among the cattle
+men, he knew considerable about the ways of cowboys<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg&nbsp;2]</a></span>
+and hunters, though always ready to pick
+up information from veterans of the trail.</p>
+
+<p>Bob had come to the far Southwest as a tenderfoot;
+but, being quick to learn, he hoped to graduate
+from that class after a while. Having always
+been fond of outdoor sports in his Kentucky
+home, he was, at least, no greenhorn. When he
+came to the new country where his father was interested
+with Frank's in mining ventures, Bob
+had brought his favorite Kentucky horse, a coal-black
+stallion known as "Domino," and which
+vied with Frank's native "Buckskin" in good
+qualities.</p>
+
+<p>These two lads were so much abroad on horseback
+that they had become known as the "Saddle
+Boys." They loved nothing better than to ride
+the plains, mounted on their pet steeds, and go almost
+everywhere the passing whim tempted them.</p>
+
+<p>Of course, in that wonderland there was always
+a chance for adventure when one did much
+wandering; and that Frank and Bob saw their
+share of excitement can be readily understood.
+Some of the strange things that happened to them
+have already been narrated in the first volume
+of this series, "The Saddle Boys of the Rockies,
+Or, Lost on Thunder Mountain," and which, in
+a way, is an introduction to the present story. In
+the first book the boys cleared up a wonderful
+mystery concerning a great cavern.</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg&nbsp;3]</a></span>
+
+<p>For several minutes Bob was busily engaged
+with the saddle girth that had been giving him
+considerable trouble on this gallop.</p>
+
+<p>"There," he remarked, finally, throwing down
+the flap as though satisfied with his work. "I
+reckon I've got it fixed now so that it will hold
+through the day; but I need a new girth, and
+when we pull up again at Circle Ranch I'll see
+about getting it. Oh! did you make out anything
+with the glasses, Frank?"</p>
+
+<p>He sprang into the saddle like one who had
+spent much of his time on horseback. Domino
+curvetted and pranced a little, being still full of
+mettle and spirits; but a very firm hand held
+him in.</p>
+
+<p>"Take the glass, and see if you can make out
+what it is," Frank remarked, as if he hardly knew
+himself, or felt like trusting his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>A minute later Bob lowered the glasses.</p>
+
+<p>"There's something on the ground, and I can
+catch a glimpse of what looks like a dun-colored
+hide through the tufts of buffalo grass. The
+yearling was red, you said, Frank? All right.
+Then I reckon we'll find her there; but not on her
+feet."</p>
+
+<p>"Come on!"</p>
+
+<p>As he said these curt words Frank let Buckskin
+have his head; and, accompanied by his chum,
+started at a full gallop over the level, in the direction<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg&nbsp;4]</a></span>
+of the spot where the dun-colored object
+had been sighted.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly afterward they topped a little rise, and
+pulled up. No need to doubt their eyes now. Just
+before them lay the mangled remains of the lame
+yearling, very little being left to tell the story of
+how the animal had met its fate.</p>
+
+<p>"Wolves!" said Frank, gloomily, as he sat
+looking down at the torn hide.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know the signs as well as you, Frank,
+but I'd say the same from general indications. And
+they had a royal good feast, too. This makes a
+round half dozen head your father has lost in
+the last month, doesn't it?" asked Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"Seven, all told. When Bart Heminway told
+me he had noticed that one of those fine yearlings
+seemed lame, I wondered if something wasn't
+going to happen to it soon. And then, when we
+missed it from the herd last night, I guessed what
+had come about. They caught her behind the
+rest, and pulled her down. The poor thing didn't
+have a ghost of a show against that pack of savage
+wolf-dogs."</p>
+
+<p>"I'd like to have just one chance at them, that's
+all," grumbled Bob, as he let his hand fondle the
+butt of a modern repeating rifle, which he carried
+fastened to his saddle.</p>
+
+<p>"This is sure the limit, and it's just got to
+stop!" declared Frank, grimly.</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg&nbsp;5]</a></span>
+
+<p>"Right now?" queried his chum, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>Two pairs of flashing eyes met, the black ones
+sending a challenge toward the blue.</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?" said Frank, shutting his jaws
+hard, "the day is before us still; and we're well
+primed for the business of hunting that pack to
+their den. Look at that bunch of rocks a few
+miles off; that must be where they hang out,
+Bob! Queer that none of the boys have ever
+thought of hunting in this quarter for that old
+she-wolf Sallie, and her brood."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you think she did it, do you?" asked
+Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure she did. You can see for yourself where
+her jaws closed on the throat of the poor yearling.
+Everybody knows her trademark. That sly
+beast has been the bane of the cattle ranches
+around here for several years. They got to
+calling her Sallie in fun; but it's been serious business
+lately; and many a cowboy'd ride two
+hundred miles for a chance to knock her over."</p>
+
+<p>"And yet none of the rough riders have even
+thought to search that rocky pile for her den, you
+say?" Bob continued.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, you see, the killings have always been
+in other directions," Frank explained. "Just as
+shrewd animals often do, up to now Sallie has
+never pulled down a calf anywhere near her den.
+I reckon she just knew it might cause a search.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg&nbsp;6]</a></span>
+But this time she's either grown over-bold, or
+else the pack started to do the business in spite
+of her, and she was forced into the game."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, shall we head for that elevation, and
+see what we can find?" asked Bob, who was inclined
+to be a little impatient.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait a bit. It would be ten times better if
+we could only track the greedy pack direct; but
+that's a hard proposition, here on the open,"
+Frank observed.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what can we do then?" his chum asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps put it in the hands of the best trailer
+in Arizona," and with a laugh Frank pointed off
+to the left.</p>
+
+<p>The Kentucky boy turned his head in surprise,
+and then exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Old Hank Coombs, on his pony, as sure as
+anything! You knew he was coming along all the
+while, and just kept mum. But I'm sure glad to
+see the old cowman right now. And it may turn
+out to be a day of reckoning for that cunning
+Sallie, and her half grown cubs."</p>
+
+<p>The two lads waved their range hats, and sent
+out a salute that was readily answered by the
+advancing cowman. Hank Coombs was indeed a
+veteran in the cattle line, having been one of the
+very first to throw a rope, and "mill" stampeding
+steers in Texas, and farther to the west.</p>
+
+<p>He was an angular old fellow, grim looking<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg&nbsp;7]</a></span>
+in his greasy leather "chaps;" but with a twinkle
+in his eyes that told of the spirit of fun that had
+never been quenched by the passage of time.</p>
+
+<p>"Howdy, boys," he called out, as he drew rein
+alongside the two lads. "What's this here yer
+lookin' at? Another dead calf? No, I swan if
+it ain't a yearling as has been pulled down now.
+Things seem t' be gittin' t' a warm pass when
+sech doin' air allowed. Huh! an' it looks like
+Sallie's work, too! That sly ole critter is goin'
+t' git t' the end of her rope some fine day."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not to-day, Hank?" demanded Frank,
+briskly.</p>
+
+<p>The veteran grinned, as though he had half
+anticipated having such a question asked.</p>
+
+<p>"So, that's the way the wind blows, hey?" he
+remarked, slowly; and then he nodded his small
+head approvingly. "Jest as you say, Frank,
+thar's no time like the present t' do things. The
+hull pack hes been here, I see, an' no matter how
+cunning old Sallie allers shows herself, a chain's
+only as strong as th' weakest link. One of her
+cubs will sure leave tracks we kin foller. All
+right, boys count on me t' back ye up. I'll go
+wharever ye say, Frank."</p>
+
+<p>"We'll follow the trail, if there is one," said
+Frank, instantly; "but the chances are that's
+where we'll bring up," and he pointed with his
+quirt in the direction of the rocky uplift that stood<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg&nbsp;8]</a></span>
+like a landmark in the midst of the great level sea
+of purple sage brush, marking the plain.</p>
+
+<p>After one good look the cowman nodded his
+head again in the affirmative.</p>
+
+<p>"Reckon as how y'r' right, Frank," he remarked;
+"but we'll see how the trail heads."</p>
+
+<p>Throwing himself from his saddle he bent
+down over the remains of the yearling that had
+been so unfortunate as to become lame, and thus,
+lagging far behind the rest of the herd, fallen a
+victim to the wolf pack.</p>
+
+<p>"Easy as fallin' off a log," announced old
+Hank, immediately. "Jest as I was sayin', thar's
+nearly allers one clumsy cub as don't hev half
+sense; an' I kin foller this trail on horseback,
+'pears to me."</p>
+
+<p>He ran it out a little way; then, once more
+mounting, went on ahead, with his keen eyes
+fastened on the ground.</p>
+
+<p>Bob watched his actions with the greatest of
+interest. He knew Old Hank was discovering a
+dozen signs that would be utterly invisible to one
+who had not had many years of practice in tracking
+both wild animals and human beings.</p>
+
+<p>Now and then the trailer would draw in his
+horse, as though desirous of looking more carefully
+at the ground. Twice he even dropped off
+and bent low, to make positive his belief.</p>
+
+<p>"I reckon you were right, Frank," remarked<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg&nbsp;9]</a></span>
+Bob, after half an hour of this sort of travel "because,
+you see, even if the trail did lead away
+from the rocks at first, it's heading that way now
+on a straight line."</p>
+
+<p>"Thet was only the cuteness of the ole wolf,"
+said Hank. "She's up t' all the dodges goin'.
+But that comes a day of reckonin' for all her
+kind; an' her's orter be showin' up right soon."</p>
+
+<p>When another half hour passed the three riders
+had reached the border of the strange pile of
+rocks. And as Frank looked up at the rough
+heap, with its many crevices and angles, he considered
+that it certainly must offer an ideal den
+to any wild beast wishing to hide through the
+daytime, and prowl forth when darkness and night
+lay upon the land.</p>
+
+<p>"Here's whar the trail ends at the rocks,"
+said Hank, as he dismounted and threw the bridle
+over the head of his horse, cowboy fashion, knowing
+that under ordinary conditions the animal
+would remain there, just as if hobbled, or staked
+out.</p>
+
+<p>Both of the saddle boys followed his example,
+and, holding their rifles ready, prepared to search
+the rocks for some trace of the wolf den. Wild
+animals may be very cunning about locating their
+retreat in a place where it will be hidden from the
+eye of a casual passer; but, in course of time, they
+cannot prevent signs from accumulating, calculated<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg&nbsp;10]</a></span>
+to betray its presence to one who is keenly on
+the watch.</p>
+
+<p>The three searchers had not been moving back
+and forth among the piles of rocks more than
+ten minutes when Old Hank was observed to
+raise his head, smile, and sniff the air with more
+or less eagerness.</p>
+
+<p>"Must be close by, boys," he said, positively.
+"I kin git the rank odor that allers hangs 'round
+the den of wild animals as brings meat home, an'
+leaves the bones. The air is a-comin' from that
+quarter, an' chances are we'll find the hole sumwhar
+over yonder."</p>
+
+<p>"I think I see it," said Frank, eagerly. "Just
+above that little spur there's a black looking crevice
+in the rock."</p>
+
+<p>"As dark as my hat," added Hank; "an' I
+reckon as how that's whar Sallie lives when she's
+t' home. Now t' invite ourselves int' her leetle
+parlor, boys!"<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Contents</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2 class="space"><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II</a></h2>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg&nbsp;11]</a></span>
+
+<h3>RIDDING THE RANGE OF A PEST</h3>
+
+<br />
+
+<p>"Well, what do you think now, Frank?"
+asked Bob, as they stood in front of that gloomy
+looking crevice, and observed the marks of many
+claws upon the discolored rock, where hairy
+bodies had drawn themselves along countless
+times.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm wondering," the other replied; "what ails
+our boys at the ranch never to have suspected
+that old Sallie had her den, and raised her broods,
+so close to the Circle Ranch. Why, right now
+we're not more'n ten miles, as the crow flies,
+away from home. And for years this terrible
+she-wolf has lived on the calves and partly grown
+animals belonging to cattlemen in this neck of
+the land. It makes me tired to think of it!"</p>
+
+<p>"But Frank, it's a long lane that has no turning,"
+remarked Bob; "and just now we've got
+to the bend. Sallie has invited her fate once too
+often. That lame yearling is going to spell her
+finish, if Old Hank here has his way."</p>
+
+<p>"It sure is," agreed Frank. "And when we
+get back home with the hide of that old pest<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg&nbsp;12]</a></span>
+fastened to a saddle, the boys will be some sore
+to think how anyone of the lot might have done
+the job, if they'd only turned this way."</p>
+
+<p>"But what's Hank going to do?" asked the
+Kentucky boy, watching the veteran cow-puncher
+searching on the ground under a stunted pinon
+tree that chanced to grow where there was a small
+bit of soil among the rocks.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know for a dead certainty," replied
+the other; "but I rather think he's picking up
+some pieces of wood that might make good
+torches."</p>
+
+<p>"Whew! then he means that we're to go into
+the cave, and get our game&mdash;is that it, Frank?"
+demanded the other, unconsciously tightening his
+grip on his rifle, as he glanced once more toward
+that yawning crevice, leading to unknown depths,
+where the wolf pack lurked during the daytime to
+issue forth when night came around.</p>
+
+<p>"That would be just like the old chap, for he
+knows nothing of fear," Frank replied; "but of
+course there's no necessity for <i>both</i> of us to go
+with him. One might remain here, so as to
+knock over any stray beast that managed to escape
+the attention of those who went in."</p>
+
+<p>"All right; where will you take up your stand,
+Frank?" asked Bob, instantly; at which his chum
+laughed, as though tickled.</p>
+
+<p>"So you think I'd consent to stay out here<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg&nbsp;13]</a></span>
+tamely, while you two were having a regular
+circus in there?" he remarked. "That would
+never suit me. And it's easy to see that you count
+on a ticket of admission to Sallie's parlor, too.
+Well, then, we'll all go, and share in the danger,
+as well as the sport. For to rid the range country
+of this pest I consider the greatest favor under
+the sun. But there comes Hank with a bundle
+of torches under his arm."</p>
+
+<p>"We're off, then!" chuckled Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"Make sure o' yer guns, lads," said the cowman,
+as he came up; "because, in a case like this,
+when ye want t' shoot it's apt t' be in a hurry.
+An' anybody as knows what a fierce critter ole
+Sallie is, kin tell ye it'll take an ounce of lead, put
+in the right place, t' down her fur keeps."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm ready," Frank assured the old hunter.</p>
+
+<p>"Then, jest as soon's I kin git this flare goin'
+we'll push in." Hank announced.</p>
+
+<p>"Will we be able to see the game with such
+a poor light?" asked Bob, a trifle nervously, as
+his mind went back to school days, to remember
+what he had read of that old Revolutionary
+patriot, Israel Putnam, entering a wolf's den
+alone, and killing the beast in open fight; truth
+to tell Bob had never seen a real den in which
+wild beasts hid from the sun; and imagination
+doubled its perils in his mind.</p>
+
+<p>"Fust thing ye see'll be some yaller eyes starin'<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg&nbsp;14]</a></span>
+at ye outen the dark," said Hank, obligingly.
+"Then, when I gives the word, both of ye let go,
+aimin' direct atween the yaller spots."</p>
+
+<p>"But what if we miss, and the beast attacks
+us?" Bob went on, wishing to be thoroughly
+posted before venturing into that hole.</p>
+
+<p>"In case of a mix-up," the veteran went on;
+"every feller is for hisself; only, recerlect thar
+mustn't be any shootin' at close quarters. Use
+yer knives, or else swat her over the head with
+yer clubbed guns. We're bound t' git Sallie this
+time, by hook er by crook! Ready, son?"</p>
+
+<p>Both boys declared that they had no reason for
+delaying matters. Since it had been decided as
+best to invade the wolf den, the sooner they
+started, the better.</p>
+
+<p>True, Bob thought that had it been left to him,
+he would have first tried to smoke out the occupants
+of the cleft, waiting near by to shoot
+them down as they rushed out of the depths. But
+then Hank was directing matters now, and whatever
+he said must be done.</p>
+
+<p>Besides, Hank had known wolves ever since he
+first "toted" a gun, now more than fifty-five
+years ago. Perhaps he understood how difficult
+it is to smoke out a pack of wolves, that invariably
+seek a cave with a depth sufficient to get away
+from all the influences of the smudge.</p>
+
+<p>Without the slightest hesitation Old Hank got<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg&nbsp;15]</a></span>
+down on hands and knees, and began to crawl into
+the gaping mouth of the crevice.</p>
+
+<p>It did not go straight in, but seemed to twist
+around more or less. All the while the two boys
+kept close at the heels of the guide who carried
+that flaring torch. They watched ahead to detect
+the first sign of the enemy; and had their ears on
+the alert with the same idea in view.</p>
+
+<p>Stronger grew the odor that invariably marks
+the den of carnivorous animals.</p>
+
+<p>"We ought to stir her up soon now, Frank,"
+whispered Bob, on whom the strain was bearing
+hard, since he was not used to anything of this
+sort.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, unless the sly old beast has a back door
+to her home; how about that, Hank?" asked the
+cattleman's son.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't reckon as how it's so," came the ready
+response. "In thet event, we'd feel a breath of
+fresh air; an' ye knows as how we don't. Stiddy
+boys, keep yer wits about ye! She's clost by,
+now!"</p>
+
+<p>"I heard a growl!" admitted Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"And there were whines too, from the half
+grown cubs," ventured Frank.</p>
+
+<p>"Once we turn this bend just ahead, likely
+enough we'll be in the mess," Bob remarked.</p>
+
+<p>"Range on both sides of me, boys," directed
+Hank, halting, so that they could overtake him;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg&nbsp;16]</a></span>
+because he knew full well that the crisis of this
+bold invasion of the she-wolf's den was near at
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>In this fashion, then, the three turned the rocky
+corner.</p>
+
+<p>"I see the yellow eyes!" whispered Bob, beginning
+to bring his gun-stock nearer to his
+shoulder. "Say, there's a whole raft of 'em,
+Frank!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure," came the quick reply, close to his ear.
+"Hank said there was about five of the brood.
+Hold your fire, Bob. Pick out the mother wolf
+first."</p>
+
+<p>"That's what I want to do; but how can I make
+sure?" demanded the Kentucky lad, trying his
+best to keep his hands from trembling with excitement.</p>
+
+<p>He had sunk down upon one knee. This allowed
+him to rest his elbow on the knee that was
+in position, always a favorite attitude with Bob
+when using a rifle.</p>
+
+<p>"Take the eyes that are above all the rest, and
+which seem so much larger and fiercer. Are you
+on, Bob?" continued the other, who was also
+handling his gun with all the eagerness of a sportsman.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," came the firm reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Then let her go!"</p>
+
+<p>The last word was drowned in a terrific roar,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg&nbsp;17]</a></span>
+for when a gun is fired in confined space the din
+is tremendous. Even as he pulled the trigger Bob
+knew that luck was against him; for the animal
+had moved at a time when he could not delay the
+pressure of his finger.</p>
+
+<p>He heard a second report close beside him.
+Frank had also fired, realizing what had occurred,
+and that in all probability the first bullet would
+only wound the savage beast, without putting an
+end to her activities.</p>
+
+<p>The torch went sputtering to the floor of the
+cave, having been knocked from the hand of Hank
+when the wolf struck him heavily. He could be
+heard trying to rescue it before it went completely
+out, all the while letting off a volley of whoops
+and directions.</p>
+
+<p>Fortunately Frank had kept his wits about him.
+And his rifle was still gripped firmly in his hands,
+he having instantly pumped a new cartridge into
+the chamber after firing. The half grown cubs
+showed an inclination to follow their mother in
+her headlong attack on the human invaders of the
+den; for the numerous gleaming pairs of eyes
+were undoubtedly advancing when Frank turned
+his gun loose on them.</p>
+
+<p>The din was simply terrific. Bob was more
+concerned with the possibility of an attack from
+the ferocious mother wolf then anything else. He
+had lost track of her after that first furious rush,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg&nbsp;18]</a></span>
+and crouching there, was trying the best he knew
+how to locate the creature again.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Old Hank had succeeded in picking
+up the torch, which, being held in an upright
+position, began to shed a fair amount of light once
+more.</p>
+
+<p>Not seeing anything else at which he could fire,
+Bob now started in to assist his chum get rid of
+the ugly whelps that were advancing, growling,
+snarling, and in various other ways proving how
+they had inherited the fearless nature of the beast
+that had nursed them in that den.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps it was all one-sided, since the animals
+never had a chance to get in touch with the invaders.
+Neither of the boys ever felt very proud
+of the work; but in view of the tremendous amount
+of damage a pack of hungry wolves can do on a
+cattle ranch, or in a sheepfold, they had no
+scruples concerning the matter. Besides, every
+one along the Arizona border hated a wolf almost
+as badly as they did a cowardly coyote; for
+while the former may be bolder than the beast
+that slinks across the desert looking for carrion,
+its capacity for mischief is a good many times as
+great.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see any more eyes, Frank!" called
+out Bob, presently, as he tried to penetrate the
+cloud of powder-smoke that surrounded both of
+them.</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg&nbsp;19]</a></span>
+
+<p>"That's because we got 'em all, I reckon," replied
+his chum. "How about that, Hank?"</p>
+
+<p>"Cleaned the hull brood out, son," replied the
+other, chuckling; "an' no mistake about it either."</p>
+
+<p>"But where did the big one go to; has she
+escaped after all?" asked Bob, with a note of
+regret in his voice; for he thought the blame would
+be placed on him, for having made a poor shot
+when he had such a splendid chance to finish the
+animal.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I wouldn't worry myself about her,
+Bob," chuckled Frank, who had already made a
+discovery; and as he spoke he pointed to a spot
+close by, where, huddled in a heap, lay the heavy
+body of the fiercest cattle thief known for years
+along the border.</p>
+
+<p>"She was mortally hurted by the fust shot,"
+said Hank, as they stood over the gaunt animal,
+and surveyed her proportions with almost a touch
+of awe; "but seemed like the critter had enough
+strength left t' make thet leap, as nigh knocked
+me flat. Then she jest keeled over, an' guv up the
+ghost. Arter this the young heifers kin stray
+away from their mother's sides, without bein'
+dragged off. Thar'll be a vote o' thanks sent ter
+ye, Bob, from every ranch inside of fifty mile,
+'cause of what ye did when ye pulled trigger this
+day."</p>
+
+<p>Hank, being an experienced worker, did not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg&nbsp;20]</a></span>
+take very long to secure the pelt of the dead
+terror of the desert. Then they left the rocks,
+finding their horses just where they had left them.</p>
+
+<p>All of the animals showed signs of alarm when
+they scented the skin of the wolf; and Domino in
+particular pranced and snorted at a great rate
+since his education had been neglected in this
+particular. So Hank, having the best trained steed
+in the bunch, insisted on carrying the pelt with
+him on their return trip to the ranch.</p>
+
+<p>Ten miles, as the crow flies, and they would be
+at home; and with comparatively fresh steeds,
+that should not count for more than an hour's
+gallop.</p>
+
+<p>Before they had gone three miles, however, Bob
+called the attention of his chum to a horseman
+who was galloping toward them. It was a cowboy,
+and he waved his broad-brimmed hat over
+his head as he came sweeping forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Is he doing stunts; or does he want us?"
+asked Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"It's Ted Conway," replied Frank, with a sudden
+look of anxiety; "one of the steadiest boys at
+the ranch; and he acts as if something had happened
+at home!"<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Contents</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2 class="space"><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III</a></h2>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg&nbsp;21]</a></span>
+
+<h3>THE FLOATING BOTTLE</h3>
+
+<br />
+
+<p>Waving his hat after the extravagant manner
+of his kind, the cowboy swept constantly nearer
+the little party. Indeed, it was impossible for them
+to guess whether Ted Conway bore a message, or
+was simply delighted to see the son of his employer,
+and his chum.</p>
+
+<p>Presently he reached the constantly advancing
+trio, and under the pull of the reins his pony
+reared upon its hind legs.</p>
+
+<p>"What's wrong, Ted?" asked Frank, immediately.</p>
+
+<p>"Wanted at the ranch, Frank," came the answer.
+"The boss has sent me out to look you up
+on the jump. Told me as how you started out on
+a gallop this way, an' I took chances. Reckon I
+was some lucky to strike you so easy."</p>
+
+<p>"But what has happened, Ted?" insisted the
+boy, trying to read the bronzed face of the other,
+and get a hint as to whether his mission verged
+on the serious or not.</p>
+
+<p>It was so very unusual for Colonel Haywood to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg&nbsp;22]</a></span>
+send anyone out to find him, that Frank's suspicions
+were naturally aroused.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, the Colonel had a little tumble with
+that game leg of his&mdash;same one that the steer fell
+on, and broke two years back, in the big round-up&mdash;"
+began the cowboy, when Frank interrupted
+him.</p>
+
+<p>"Then he must have been seriously hurt this
+time, or he wouldn't send you out for me. Tell me
+the worst, Ted; you ought to realize that it's
+better for me to know it all in the start, than by
+degrees. Is my father dead?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. Last I seen of the Colonel, he was a
+real live man; only he had his leg done up agin
+in splints; an' the ole doc. from the Arrowhead
+Ranch was thar, 'tending to him. No, it ain't on
+count of his leetle trouble with that leg that
+made him send me out huntin' for you, Frank."</p>
+
+<p>"What then?" demanded the boy, curtly; but
+with a sigh of relief, for his father was very dear
+to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Thar come a messenger to the ranch a while
+ago, an' somethin' he fetched along with him,
+'peared to excite the boss right from the word
+go," Ted admitted.</p>
+
+<p>"A messenger, Ted?" the boy echoed, wonderingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Never seen him afore, an' think he kim from
+town," the new arrival went on to say. "Leastwise,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg&nbsp;23]</a></span>
+he looked like a stray maverick, an' had a
+b'iled shirt, with a collar that I reckoned sure
+would choke him. Atween you an' me I tried to
+get him to chuck the same; but he only grinned, an'
+allowed he could stand it."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! a messenger from town, was it?" said
+Frank, with a relieved look. "Then the chances
+are it must have been some business connected
+with a shipment of cattle. Perhaps the railroad
+has had a bad wreck, and wants to settle for that
+last bunch we sent away."</p>
+
+<p>But Ted shook his head in the negative.</p>
+
+<p>"'T'wan't no railroad man; that I know," he
+affirmed, positively. "'Sides, the boss was holdin'
+of a bottle in his hand, an' seemed to set a heap
+of store by it."</p>
+
+<p>"A bottle, Ted?" cried Frank, deeply interested.</p>
+
+<p>"That's what," replied the cowboy, energetically.
+"But jest why he should reckon such a thing
+wuth shucks I can't tell ye. But he sent me out
+to bring you back to the ranch house like two-forty.
+I seen that he was plumb locoed, and some
+excited by the news, whatever it might be."</p>
+
+<p>Frank looked at his chum in a puzzled way, and
+shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't seem able to make head or tail of this
+business, Bob," he remarked; "but there's only
+one thing to be done, and that's to romp home<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg&nbsp;24]</a></span>
+on the gallop. So away we go with a rush. Who's
+after me! Hi! get long, Buckskin! It's a race
+for a treat of oats as a prize! Here you are,
+Bob; hit up the pace!"</p>
+
+<p>With the words Frank gave his horse free rein,
+and went tearing over the level plain, headed as
+straight for the distant ranch as though he were
+a bird far up in the clear air, and could see to
+make a direct line "as the crow flies!"</p>
+
+<p>And after a time, in the distance, they saw the
+whitewashed outbuildings of Circle Ranch. Frank
+never viewed the familiar and dearly loved scene
+with more anxiety than he did now; but so far
+as he could see there did not appear to be anything
+out of the ordinary taking place around the ranch
+house.</p>
+
+<p>"Looks all right, Bob!" exclaimed Frank, as
+though a great load had been taken from his
+heart.</p>
+
+<p>The sudden coming of Ted Conway, with that
+queer message that meant a hurried return, had
+mystified the boy not a little. But he knew that
+all would soon be made plain now, since they were
+nearly home.</p>
+
+<p>Dashing up in front of the house, the two lads
+jumped to the ground almost before their mounts
+had come to a halt. The door was open, and
+Frank led the way in a headlong rush.</p>
+
+<p>As they entered he saw his father seated in his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg&nbsp;25]</a></span>
+comfortable easy-chair, with that unfortunate leg,
+that had given him more or less trouble for two
+years now, propped on another seat, and bound
+up.</p>
+
+<p>There was a stranger with him, but no sign of
+the Arrowhead Ranch cowboy doctor; which
+would indicate that, having done his duty, the roving
+physician and bone-setter had returned to his
+regular business, which was roping and branding
+cattle.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Haywood was a man in the prime of
+life. Up to the time that clumsy steer had broken
+his leg he had been most active; but since then he
+had not been able to get around on his feet so
+well, though able to ride fairly comfortably.</p>
+
+<p>"Hello! Frank, my boy!" he exclaimed, as the
+two came rushing in. "So Ted managed to round
+you up in great style; did he? Well, I always
+said Ted was the sharpest fellow on the range
+when it came to finding things. Where have you
+been to-day?"</p>
+
+<p>"Doing a little missionary work for the country,"
+replied Frank, smiling. "We came across
+that lame pet yearling, the dun-colored one you
+thought so much of; and there was mighty little
+left of the poor beast but a torn hide, not worth
+lifting."</p>
+
+<p>"Huh! wolves again!" exclaimed the stock-raiser,
+with a frown.</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg&nbsp;26]</a></span>
+
+<p>"Sure thing, sir," Frank went on. "We saw
+a heap of signs that told us our old friend, Sallie,
+with the broken tooth, had been on the job again.
+But that was the last of our beef the old lady'll
+ever taste, or anybody else's, for that matter."</p>
+
+<p>"What's that? Did you sight her, and get a
+shot?" demanded the pleased rancher, forgetting
+his broken leg in his excitement, and making a
+movement that immediately caused him to give a
+grunt, and settle back again.</p>
+
+<p>"Old Hank happened to run across our trail
+just then," Frank continued; "and we made up
+our minds to track the beast to her lair. Where
+do you suppose we found it, dad, but in the big
+bunch of rocks that lies about ten miles to the
+west?"</p>
+
+<p>"You surprise me; but go on, tell me the rest,
+and then I'm going to let you in on something that
+will open your eyes a little," remarked the stockman.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! there isn't much more to tell, dad," the
+boy hastened to say, for he was eager to learn
+what all this mystery meant. "We found the
+opening, easy enough, and made up our minds to
+crawl in after Sallie, the whole three of us. So
+Hank picked up some wood for a flare, and in we
+went."</p>
+
+<p>"And you found her home? You met with a
+warm reception, I warrant!" the other exclaimed,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg&nbsp;27]</a></span>
+his eyes kindling with pride as he saw the quiet,
+confident air with which Frank rattled off his
+story.</p>
+
+<p>"Sallie was in, ditto five of her half-grown
+brood, and all full of fight," the boy continued.
+"But of course they didn't have a ghost of a show
+against our two repeating rifles. Hank held the
+torch, and Bob fired first. Then the brute
+jumped, and nearly got Hank, who lost the flare
+for a few seconds. We keeled over the ugly
+whelps as they started for us; and later on found
+old Sallie, just as she had dropped. That big
+jump was her last."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'm glad to hear that, son," declared
+the rancher, who had suffered long and seriously
+from the depredations of that sly animal and her
+various broods, despite all efforts to locate her,
+and put an end to her attacks.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm glad you're pleased with what we did,"
+Frank remarked.</p>
+
+<p>"It will mean a lot to all honest ranchmen in
+this section," continued the cattleman. "With
+Sallie gone, we can hope to raise a record herd the
+coming season, without keeping men constantly on
+the watch, day and night, for a slinking thief that
+defied our best efforts. Shake hands, Bob, and
+let me congratulate you on making the shot that
+ended the loping of the worst pest this country has
+known in five years."</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg&nbsp;28]</a></span>
+
+<p>"But when Ted came whirling along, shouting,
+and waving his hat, to tell us you wanted me back
+home on the jump, it gave me a bad feeling, dad;
+especially when I heard that you'd gone and hurt
+that leg again!" Frank cried, as he, too, seized
+the other hand of his father, and squeezed it affectionately.</p>
+
+<p>"But I told Ted to be sure and let you know
+that it was not on account of my new upset that I
+wanted you back," declared the ranchman, frowning.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, he delivered the message all right, dad;
+but all the same I was bothered a heap, let me tell
+you," Frank went on. "And now, please, tell us
+what it's all about; won't you; and what this
+gentleman has to do with it; also the bottle Ted
+said you were handling?"</p>
+
+<p>At that Colonel Haywood smiled, and looked
+up at the stranger.</p>
+
+<p>"This is a Mr. Hinchman, Frank," he remarked.
+"He lives in a small place on the great
+Colorado River called Mohave City. And one
+day, not long ago, a man who was fishing on the
+river at a place where an eddy set in, found a
+curious bottle floating, that was sealed with red
+wax on the top, and seemed to contain only a piece
+of paper. This is the bottle," and as he spoke he
+opened a drawer of the desk, and drew out the
+flask in question.</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg&nbsp;29]</a></span>
+
+<p>Frank took it, and turned it around. So far as
+he could see it was an ordinary bottle. It contained
+no cork, but there were signs of sealing
+wax around the top.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Hinchman, is, I believe," the ranchman
+went on, "though he has been too modest to say
+so himself, a gentleman of some importance in
+Mohave City, which accounted for the fisherman
+fetching his queer find to him. The bottle had
+evidently come down the great river, perhaps for
+one or two hundred miles, escaping destruction
+from contact with rocks in a marvelous manner,
+and finally falling into the hands of one who had
+both the time and the curiosity to examine its
+sealed contents."</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Haywood thereupon took up a small
+piece of paper from the pad of the desk.</p>
+
+<p>"This is what he found in the bottle, Frank,"
+continued the stockman. "It bore my address, and
+the name of my ranch here; so thinking that it
+might be something more than a practical joke he
+concluded to journey all the way across the country
+to see me. It was a mighty nice thing for Mr.
+Hinchman to do, and something I am not apt to
+forget in a hurry, either."</p>
+
+<p>"Then the paper interested you, dad, it seems?"
+Frank remarked, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"It certainly did, son, and I rather think you
+will feel the same as I did when I tell you whose<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg&nbsp;30]</a></span>
+name is written at the bottom of this little communication,"
+the cattleman went on.</p>
+
+<p>"All right, I'm ready to hear it," Frank remarked,
+laughingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Felix Oswald!" replied his father, quickly.</p>
+
+<p>The boy was indeed intensely surprised, if one
+could judge from his manner.</p>
+
+<p>"Your Uncle Felix, dad, who has been gone
+these three years, and whose mysterious disappearance
+set the whole scientific world guessing.
+And you say his name is there, signed to that
+paper found in the sealed bottle? Well, you sure
+have given me a surprise. Then he's still alive?"</p>
+
+<p>"He seemed to be when he wrote this," the
+cattleman said, reflectively; "but as he failed to
+put any date on it, we can only guess how long the
+bottle has been cruising down the Colorado,
+sucked into eddies that might hold it for weeks
+or months, until a rise in the river sent it forth
+again."</p>
+
+<p>"Say, doesn't that beat everything you ever
+heard of, Bob?" declared Frank, turning to his
+chum.</p>
+
+<p>"It certainly does," replied Bob, and then the
+ranchman's boy continued:</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you remember me telling you some
+things about this queer old uncle of dad's, Bob,
+and how, after he had made a name for himself,
+he suddenly vanished in a night, leaving word behind<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg&nbsp;31]</a></span>
+that he was going to study the biggest subject
+any man could ever tackle. And as he didn't want
+to be bothered, he said he would leave no address
+behind. They've looked for him all over Europe,
+Asia and Africa, but he was never heard from
+again. And now to think that he's sent word to
+dad; and in a sealed bottle too!"</p>
+
+<p>"That looks as if he must be somewhere on
+the Colorado River, don't it?" suggested Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"Undoubtedly," replied the stockman; "in fact,
+in this brief communication he admits that he is
+located somewhere along the Grand Canyon, in a
+place where travelers have as yet never penetrated.
+I can only guess that Uncle Felix must
+have been seized with a desire to unearth treasures
+that might tell the history of those strange
+old cliff dwellers, who occupied much of that country
+as long as eight hundred years ago. All he
+mentions about his hiding place is to call it Echo
+Cave. You never heard of such a place, did you,
+Mr. Hinchman; and you've lived on the lower
+river many years?"</p>
+
+<p>"I never did, Colonel," replied the man from
+Mohave City; "and perhaps few people have
+climbed through that wonderful gash in the surface
+of the Arizona desert as many times as I have."</p>
+
+<p>"In this brief note," continued Colonel Haywood,
+"Uncle Felix simply says that he has become
+aware of the passage of time; and since<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg&nbsp;32]</a></span>
+his labors are not yet completed, and he does not
+wish to allow his friends to believe him dead, he
+has concluded to communicate with me, his nephew.
+And as he knew of no other way of doing so, he
+resorted to the artifice of the floating bottle."</p>
+
+<p>"Mighty considerate of him, that's sure,"
+chuckled Frank. "Been gone now two or three
+years, and suddenly remembers that there are
+people who might worry about his dropping out
+of sight."</p>
+
+<p>"But son," remarked the stockman, "don't
+forget that Uncle Felix is wrapped up in his profession,
+and cares very little about the ties of this
+world. I know him well enough for that. But
+it happens, singularly enough, that just now it is
+of the greatest importance he should be found,
+and communicated with. I would undertake the
+task myself, only for this unfortunate break that
+is bound to keep me laid up for another month or
+two. The doctor set my leg afresh, and tells me
+that this time I will really get perfectly well, given
+time. But it's hard to think that my cousin
+Janice, his only child, will lose so great a sum
+if some one fails to locate Uncle Felix, and get
+his signature to a paper inside of another month."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, how is that, father?" asked Frank.</p>
+
+<p>"Circumstances have arisen that will throw a
+fortune into her hands;" the stockman continued;
+"but the time limit approaches, and if his signature<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg&nbsp;33]</a></span>
+is not forthcoming others will reap the benefit,
+particularly that rascally cousin of mine,
+Eugene Warringford. You remember meeting
+him a year ago, Frank, when he came around asking
+many questions, as though he might have
+tracked his uncle out this way, and then lost the
+trail?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why not send us, dad?" demanded Frank,
+standing up in front of the stockman, with a
+smile of confidence on his face.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Contents</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2 class="space"><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV</a></h2>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg&nbsp;34]</a></span>
+
+<h3>THE LISTENER UNDER THE WINDOW</h3>
+<br />
+
+<p>"That was what I had in mind, Frank, when
+I hurried Ted Conway out to find you both,"
+Colonel Haywood remarked, his face filled with
+pride and confidence.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you let me see the note, please?"
+asked Bob; who expected some day to study to be
+a lawyer, his father's family having had several
+Kentucky judges among their number.</p>
+
+<p>Just as the owner of the ranch had said, the
+communication was exceedingly brief, and to the
+point, not an unnecessary word having been written.
+It was in pencil, and the handwriting was
+crabbed; just what one might expect of an elderly
+man, given over heart and soul to scientific research.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you know the writing well enough
+to feel sure this came from your noted uncle,
+sir?" asked Bob, as he turned the paper over.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, Bob," replied the cattleman,
+promptly. "There is not the least possibility of
+it's being a practical joke. Nobody out here
+knows anything about my uncle, who disappeared<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg&nbsp;35]</a></span>
+so long ago. Yes, you can set it down as
+positive that the letter is genuine enough. He's
+located somewhere up in that most astonishing
+hole, the greatest wonder, most people admit, in
+the entire world. But just how you two boys are
+ever going to find him is another question."</p>
+
+<p>"We can try, dad; and that's all you could do
+if you were able to tramp. It happens that the
+Grand Canyon isn't more than a hundred and
+thirty miles from our ranch here, and we can
+ride that in a few days. How do you feel about
+it, Bob?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing would please me better," replied the
+other boy, quickly, his face lighting up with delight
+at the prospect of a long ride in the saddle,
+to be followed by days, and perhaps weeks, of
+roaming through that wonderland, where Nature
+had outdone all her other works in trying to heap
+up astonishing surprises.</p>
+
+<p>"So far as I'm concerned," Frank went on,
+"I've always wanted to visit the Grand Canyon,
+and meant to do it some day later on. Of course
+I've seen what the little Colorado has to show,
+because it's only a long day's ride off. Mr.
+Hinchman can, I reckon, give us some points
+about the place, and maybe even mention several
+smaller canyons where we might be likely to find
+Uncle Felix in Echo Cave."</p>
+
+<p>"Which I'll be only too happy to attempt,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg&nbsp;36]</a></span>
+answered the gentleman from Mohave City;
+"and as I said before, I know considerable about
+the mysteries of the big hole in the desert, all of
+which is at your service. Somehow, the queer
+way that message in the floating bottle came to
+me, excited my curiosity; and I'll be satisfied if
+I can only have a hand in the finding of the noted
+gentleman who, as your father has been telling
+me, vanished in the midst of his fame."</p>
+
+<p>"And now, dad, please explain just what we
+are to do in case luck follows us in our hunt, and
+we run across the professor," said Frank.</p>
+
+<p>"You are to explain to him that the long option
+which he held on that San Bernardino mine will
+expire in one more month. The work had been
+going on in a listless way for three years. All at
+once some time back they struck a wonderfully
+rich lode, and vein has been followed far enough
+to show that it is bound to be a record breaker."</p>
+
+<p>"That sounds great!" declared the deeply interested
+Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"The mine couldn't be bought for a million
+to-day," continued the stockman; "and yet Uncle
+Felix is probably carrying around with him (for
+it couldn't be found at his home) a little legal
+document whereby it will become his sole property
+in case he chooses to plank down the modest sum
+of twenty thousand dollars by the thirtieth of next
+month!"</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg&nbsp;37]</a></span>
+
+<p>"Whew! that's going some, eh, Bob?" exclaimed
+Frank, with a little whistle that accentuated
+his surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Then if we are fortunate enough to find Uncle
+Felix before that time has expired, what shall we
+do, sir?" asked the precise Bob, who was always
+keeping an eye out for the legal aspect of things.</p>
+
+<p>"Coax him to accompany you to the nearest
+notary public, where he can sign his acceptance of
+the terms under which he holds the option on the
+San Bernardino. But if this happens after the
+thirtieth it is all wasted energy; for at midnight
+of that day, I happen to know, the option expires,"
+the ranchman continued, somewhat impressively.</p>
+
+<p>Just as he finished speaking he suddenly turned
+toward the window, at which his keen vision had
+caught sight of a moving shadow, as though someone
+might have been crouching without, and listening.</p>
+
+<p>"Who is there at the window?" he called out,
+sternly.</p>
+
+<p>All eyes were turned that way. After several
+seconds had passed a figure rose up, and a head
+was thrust through the opening. It belonged to
+a dark-faced cow-puncher, named Abajo, who was
+supposed to be a half-breed Mexican. Although
+never a favorite with the owner of the Circle
+Ranch, Abajo was a first-class handler of the rope,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg&nbsp;38]</a></span>
+and could ride a horse as well as anyone. He had
+been employed by Colonel Haywood for half a
+year. He talked "United States," as Frank was
+used to saying, as well as the average cowman.
+But Frank had never liked the fellow. There
+seemed something crafty in his ways that was
+foreign to the make-up of the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"It's only me, boss," said Abajo, with an attempt
+at a grin. "I wanted to ask you about that
+job you set me on yesterday. I took Pete along,
+and we found the lost bunch of stock in a valley
+ten mile away from Thunder Mountain in the
+Fox Canyon country. Got 'em all safe in but
+seven. Never seen hair nor hide of them; but
+after gettin' back it struck me there was one place
+they might a strayed to that we didn't look up.
+If so be you say the word I'll pick up Pete again,
+and make another try."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, of course you had better go, Abajo,"
+remarked the stockman, looking keenly at the
+other, for he did not like the way in which the
+half-breed had been apparently loitering under
+that open window, as though listening to all that
+was passing in the room beyond. "I told you
+not to draw rein till you'd found all the missing
+stock; or knew what had become of them.
+That's all, Abajo."</p>
+
+<p>The Mexican cowboy hurried away. A minute
+later and they heard him shouting to Pete; and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg&nbsp;39]</a></span>
+then the clatter of horses' hoofs told that the pair
+were galloping wildly across the open.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder how much he heard?" said Frank;
+from which it would appear that he also suspected
+the other of having spied upon them for some purpose.</p>
+
+<p>"Much good it could have done him, even if
+he caught all we said," replied his father. "Because,
+of course, he doesn't know anything about
+Uncle Felix; and couldn't be interested in whether
+he is living or dead."</p>
+
+<p>"No," remarked Mr. Hinchman, "but the
+mention of a mine going a-begging that is worth
+a comfortable fortune, like a million or two,
+would interest Abajo. I know his type pretty
+well, and you can rest assured that they're always
+on the lookout for easy money."</p>
+
+<p>"But didn't it strike you, dad," ventured Frank,
+"that his excuse for being under that window was
+silly?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, because Abajo has always been able to
+understand, without asking what he should do under
+such conditions. He wanted some excuse
+for drawing near the open window, and he found
+it. Perhaps he's heard something about the coming
+of Mr. Hinchman here, and the queer finding
+of the bottle that floated down the Colorado for
+one or two hundred miles. I spoke to the foreman,
+Bart Heminway, about it."</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg&nbsp;40]</a></span>
+
+<p>"When would you want us to make a start?"
+asked Bob, looking as though he might be ready
+to jump into his saddle then and there.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! there is no such rushing hurry as all
+that," replied the cattleman, laughing at the eagerness
+of the two lads. "Your horses are a bit
+off, just now, and after all that fight in the wolf
+den you boys need a rest."</p>
+
+<p>"But when do we start?" asked Frank.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose you get ready to move in the morning,"
+Colonel Haywood replied, after reflecting a
+moment. "That will give me time to write a
+letter to Uncle Felix, so that you can deliver it,
+if you're lucky enough to find his Echo Cave; and
+at the same time you can make up your packs; for
+you will need blankets, and plenty of grub
+along."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I reckon you're right, dad," admitted
+Frank; "only it seems as if we might be losing
+valuable time. All the same we're going to do
+just what you say. Now, if you haven't anything
+more to tell us, we'll just skip out, and begin looking
+up some of the supplies for our campaign in
+the Grand Canyon."</p>
+
+<p>"Get along with you, then," laughed the ranchman.
+"I want to ask Mr. Hinchman a few more
+questions that have occurred to me since you came
+home. And, boys, grub will be ready in a short
+time, now, for there's Ah Sin stepping to the door<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg&nbsp;41]</a></span>
+every little while, to look around and see if the
+boys are in sight. You know what that sign
+means."</p>
+
+<p>Frank and his chum went off, to make out a
+list of things they would take along with them on
+the strange expedition upon which they were about
+to start on the following morning.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you think of that slippery customer,
+Abajo?" Bob asked his chum, as the afternoon
+waned, and they were sitting on the long porch
+of the ranch house.</p>
+
+<p>"I've never liked him ever since he came here;
+but dad was in need of help, and the half-breed
+certainly knows his business to a dot," replied
+Frank, who was examining the new girth his chum
+had attached to his saddle, mentally deciding that
+whatever the young Kentuckian attempted, he did
+neatly and well.</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't I hear something about his being a
+relative to that Spanish Joe who gave us so much
+trouble a little while back, on Thunder Mountain?"
+Bob continued.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I couldn't say for sure, but some say
+he is a nephew," Frank answered. "Both of
+them have Mexican blood in their veins; and,
+when you come to think of it, there is some resemblance
+in their faces."</p>
+
+<p>"But do you really think Abajo was listening?"
+the other asked.</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg&nbsp;42]</a></span>
+
+<p>"It looked like it; that's as far as I've got,"
+laughed Frank.</p>
+
+<p>"But," Bob protested, "even if he knew that
+there was a big fortune connected with the paper
+this queer old professor carries on his person,
+what good would that do Abajo?"</p>
+
+<p>Frank shrugged his broad shoulders as he replied:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you never can tell what crazy notions
+some of these schemers after a fortune will hatch
+up. He might make up his mind to start a little
+hunt for the hermit of Echo Cave on his own
+hook; with the idea of getting a transfer of that
+valuable paper."</p>
+
+<p>"That's a fact!" declared Bob, looking interested.
+"Perhaps, after all, we won't have our
+work cut out for us as easy as we thought."</p>
+
+<p>"Small difference that will make," Frank went
+on, with a shutting of his teeth that told of the
+spirit animating the boy when difficulties hove in
+sight.</p>
+
+<p>"I agree with you, all right, Frank," his companion
+remarked. "And perhaps it'll only make
+the hunt all the more interesting if we believe
+we've got opposition. You know how it was when
+Peg Grant threw his hat in the ring, and tried
+to find out what made those queer sounds in the
+heart of Thunder Mountain?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure I do," came the quick reply. "It
+stirred us up to doing bigger stunts than if we'd<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg&nbsp;43]</a></span>
+thought we had it all our own way. Nothing
+like competition to get the best out of any fellow."</p>
+
+<p>"Correct you are, Frank. But speaking of
+Abajo, perhaps that's him coming back now," and
+as he spoke the Kentucky boy pointed across to
+a point where a single rider could be seen heading
+for the ranch house.</p>
+
+<p>He was still far away, but the eyes of Frank
+Haywood were very keen. Besides, he knew the
+"style" of every cowboy who was in the employ
+of his father, and was able to pick them out almost
+as far as he could see them.</p>
+
+<p>"You're away off there, Bob," he remarked
+quietly.</p>
+
+<p>"Then it isn't the half-breed?" asked his
+chum.</p>
+
+<p>"I know the way that chap sits in the saddle,"
+came the reply. "Only one man on the pay roll
+of Circle Ranch holds himself that way. It's
+Pete."</p>
+
+<p>"Pete Rawlings, the fellow who went with
+Abajo to round up the missing cattle?" asked
+Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"He's the one," Frank went on. "And from
+the fact that he rides alone, I take it he's bringing
+news."</p>
+
+<p>"Of the seven head of cattle that have disappeared,
+you mean, Frank?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps. They may have found them, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg&nbsp;44]</a></span>
+Abajo is standing by, while Pete comes in to
+make some sort of report. There's that rustler
+bunch that comes from the other side of the Gila
+river once in a while, under Pedro Mendoza, you
+remember. But he'll soon be on deck, and then
+we'll know. Come along, Bob, and we'll let dad
+hear that Pete is sighted. He'll be interested
+some, I reckon."</p>
+
+<p>A short time later the single rider threw himself
+from his saddle after the usual impetuous
+manner of cowboys in general.</p>
+
+<p>"Back again, Pete; and did you see anything
+of that seven head?" asked Colonel Haywood,
+who had come outside.</p>
+
+<p>"Ain't run across hair nor hide of 'em, Colonel,"
+replied the squatty cattleman, as he "waddled"
+up to the spot where the little group awaited
+his coming; for like many of his kind, Pete was decidedly
+bow-legged, possibly from riding a horse
+all his life; and his walk somewhat resembled that
+of a sailor ashore after a long cruise.</p>
+
+<p>"Where did you leave Abajo?" asked Frank,
+unable to restrain his curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't leave him," replied the other, with a
+grin. "He gave me the merry ha! ha! and said
+as how he reckoned he'd had enough of the old
+Circle. Got his month's pay yesterday, you see,
+an' he's even. I reckoned somethin' was in the
+wind when I seen him talkin' with that feller."</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg&nbsp;45]</a></span>
+
+<p>"Who was that, Pete?" questioned Colonel
+Haywood; and the prompt answer made Frank
+and Bob exchange significant looks, for it seemed
+to voice their worst fears.</p>
+
+<p>"A gent as you had avisitin' here some time
+back, Colonel. Reckon as how he don't feel any
+too warm toward you, accordin' to the way he
+used to bring them black brows of his'n down,
+when he thought you wa'n't lookin'. And his
+name was Eugene Warringford."<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Contents</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2 class="space"><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V</a></h2>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg&nbsp;46]</a></span>
+
+<h3>STARTING FOR THE GRAND CANYON</h3>
+<br />
+
+<p>No one appeared to be greatly surprised at
+this piece of news. Apparently it had been already
+discounted in the mind of Frank, his father,
+and even Bob Archer.</p>
+
+<p>"So, that's the way the wind sets, is it?" remarked
+the colonel, frowning.</p>
+
+<p>"Anyhow, dad, that proves one thing," declared
+Frank.</p>
+
+<p>"Meaning about that business of listening under
+the window?" observed the owner of Circle
+Ranch. "It certainly does. Abajo has been in
+the employ of Eugene Warringford from the
+start. But there must have been some other good
+reason why that schemer wanted to find Uncle
+Felix. He suspected that, sooner or later, the
+old gentleman would communicate with me, because
+I used to be quite a favorite of his, years
+ago."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and he sent the half-breed here to get
+employment from you just to spy around," declared
+Frank. "All the time he was accepting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg&nbsp;47]</a></span>
+your money, he had a regular income from Eugene."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! well, he earned all he got here," said the
+ranchman, quickly. "Say what I may about
+Abajo, he had no superior when it came to throwing
+the rope, and rounding up a herd. Those
+Mexicans make the finest of cowboys. They are
+at home in the saddle, every time."</p>
+
+<p>"Also in hanging around under windows, and
+listening to what is said," added Frank. "As for
+me, I have little use for their breed. And, dad,
+if ever you give me the reins here, no Mexican
+will ever get a job on old Circle Ranch."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," remarked the stockman, laughing at
+the vigor with which his son and heir made this
+assertion, "perhaps I'm leaning that way myself.
+After all, there's nothing like your own kind. We
+don't understand these fellows. Their ways are
+not the same as ours; and I reckon we puncture
+their pride often enough. But there's no trouble
+now about understanding why Abajo gave us the
+go-by to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"Huh! he had some news worth while carrying
+to his boss," said Frank. "And I can just imagine
+how Eugene's little eyes will sparkle when
+he hears about that valuable paper; eh, dad?"</p>
+
+<p>"You're right, son," the ranchman replied.
+"Because, it stands to reason he couldn't know
+anything about it before. The mine was a dead<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg&nbsp;48]</a></span>
+one up to a few months back, when that lucky-find
+lode was struck by accident. Eugene will put up
+a big chase to find this Echo Cave, now that he
+knows Uncle Felix is located somewhere in the
+Grand Canyon of the Colorado."</p>
+
+<p>"But it won't make a bit of difference in our
+plans, dad; will it?" asked Frank.</p>
+
+<p>"That depends on you two boys. If you think
+you can carry the game along, even with Eugene
+against you, I see no reason to make any change,"
+the stockman replied, with a look that spoke of
+much confidence.</p>
+
+<p>The balance of the afternoon was spent in exchanging
+views, and much study of the map of
+the famous canyon of the Colorado, which it happened
+the ranch owner had in his desk.</p>
+
+<p>All sorts of theories were advanced by first
+one and then another of the group. It happened
+that Colonel Haywood himself had never as yet
+paid a visit to the strange gash in the soil of
+northwestern Arizona; and he admitted the fact
+with a rueful face.</p>
+
+<p>"Then just as soon as you get well, dad, make
+up your mind you're going to take a little vacation,
+and see the Grand Canyon," said Frank.
+"When we come back, perhaps what we have to
+say will set you wild to go. And we expect to
+bring news of old Uncle Felix too, if he's still in
+the land of the living."</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg&nbsp;49]</a></span>
+
+<p>"Let's go over that ground again," remarked
+Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"Now you're referring to what was said about
+the funny old stone dwellings of the cliff dwellers,
+who used to live there centuries ago," remarked
+Frank.</p>
+
+<p>"And he's right, too," declared the ranchman.
+"I get the point Bob makes. It was about these
+wonderful people that Uncle Felix was so deeply
+interested, and he made up his mind to shut himself
+away from all the world, just to study up
+their history, as left in the holes in the rock."</p>
+
+<p>"And it would seem to follow, then," said
+Bob, readily, "that he will be found located in
+one of those series of terraces where these holes
+are discovered. I notice that there are a number
+of these villages connected with the map of
+the Grand Canyon; but the chances are your Uncle
+Felix wouldn't take up with any where tourist
+travel was common."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, that sounds all right," admitted Frank.
+"In the first place he would have been heard
+from long ago, if tourists ran across him; because
+they always talk, and send their accounts to be
+published in the papers."</p>
+
+<p>"Besides, these scientific men hate to be
+watched when they're wrapped up in work like
+this. I've known a couple back in Old Kentucky,"
+Bob went on.</p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg&nbsp;50]</a></span>
+
+<p>"According to your idea, then," said the Colonel,
+nodding approvingly, "this Echo Cave he
+mentions will prove to be some new place that the
+ordinary tourist in the big canyon has never set
+eyes on?"</p>
+
+<p>"That's my opinion, sir," replied Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"And if that's so, then it wouldn't pay you
+boys to waste any time looking into these ruins
+of the homes of the cliff dwellers located around
+Grand View; and in Walnut Canyon, some nine
+miles from Flagstaff," the ranchman continued.</p>
+
+<p>"I think we'd save more or less time that way,
+sir," Bob declared.</p>
+
+<p>"And you still want to go on horseback; when
+you might reach the railroad, and take a train,
+easily enough?" asked Colonel Haywood.</p>
+
+<p>The boys exchanged glances. They were
+wedded to the saddle, and disliked the idea of
+leaving their favorite steeds behind them when
+embarking on this new venture.</p>
+
+<p>"We've picked out the trail we expect to follow,
+dad," Frank said, pleadingly; "and it seems
+to run pretty smooth, with only a few mountains
+to cross, and a couple of rivers to ford. If you
+don't object seriously, Bob and I would prefer
+to go mounted."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! as far as that goes, I don't blame you,
+boys," the stockman hastened to say in reply; for
+he could understand the yearning one feels for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg&nbsp;51]</a></span>
+a favorite horse; and how a seat in the saddle
+seems to be the finest thing in the world.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, dad!" exclaimed Frank. "I
+reckoned that you'd talk that way. Somehow or
+other I just don't feel more'n half myself out of
+the saddle. And when we start to go down into
+the canyon we can find some place to leave our
+mounts where they'll be 'tended decently enough."</p>
+
+<p>Ah Sin, the Chinese cook of the ranch, who
+generally accompanied the boys when the whole
+outfit went on the grand round-up, with the mess
+wagon in attendance, now came outdoors, and
+beat his gong to announce dinner.</p>
+
+<p>The cowboys were not far away, awaiting the
+summons with the customary range appetites held
+in check; and when they were seated at the table
+they presented a merry crowd. Frank's mother
+happened to be visiting East at this time. He
+had a maiden aunt, however, who looked after the
+household duties, and sat at the end of the long
+table to pour the coffee.</p>
+
+<p>Of course there was more or less talk about the
+sudden flitting of the half-breed, Abajo. Nobody
+had any regrets, for he had never been liked.
+And there were several who secretly felt pleased,
+because they had happened to quarrel with the
+dark-skinned Mexican at different times, and did
+not altogether fancy the way he had of scowling,
+while his finger felt the edge of the knife he carried<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg&nbsp;52]</a></span>
+in his gay sash, after the manner of his countrymen.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Haywood did not see fit to explain the
+real cause for the going of Abajo, except to his
+foreman, Bart Heminway. But during the evening,
+when Frank and Bob were making up their
+packs so as to get an early start in the morning,
+the ranch owner might have been seen in earnest
+consultation with the foreman.</p>
+
+<p>Presently Bart went out, to return with Old
+Hank Coombs, and another cowman known as
+Chesty Lane; who had of course received this
+name on account of the way he thrust out his
+figure, rather than from any inclination on his
+part to boast of his wonderful deeds.</p>
+
+<p>"Chesty tells me, Colonel," said Bart, "that he
+used to be a guide in this same Grand Canyon,
+years ago. I never knowed it 'till right to-day.
+And if so be you intend to send Old Hank up thar
+to keep tabs on the doings of that ugly pair, Abajo
+and Warringford, thar couldn't be a better man
+to pick out than Chesty. You can depend on him
+every time."</p>
+
+<p>Then followed another conference, of which
+the two boys, wrapped up in their own plans in another
+room, were of course entirely ignorant.</p>
+
+<p>It was decided, however, that the two cowmen
+should wait until the boys were well on their way.
+Then, supplied with ample funds, they could ride<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg&nbsp;53]</a></span>
+to the nearest station, meet the first train bound
+north, and be at Flagstaff before night came
+around.</p>
+
+<p>In this way the Colonel figured that he was safeguarding
+the interests of Bob and Frank. Already
+had he begun to regret allowing them to
+go, and if it had not been for the high regard he
+had for his word, once given, he might have
+backed down. However, perhaps the sending of
+Hank and his companion might answer the purpose,
+and prove a valuable move.</p>
+
+<p>The night passed, and with early dawn there
+was a stir all about Circle Ranch.</p>
+
+<p>Every cowboy on the place accompanied Frank
+and Bob several miles on their long journey, every
+fellow wishing he had been asked to join them for
+the adventure. And when Bart Hemingway gave
+the word to turn back, the entire group waved
+their hats, and cheered as long as the two lads
+remained within hearing.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Contents</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2 class="space"><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI</a></h2>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg&nbsp;54]</a></span>
+
+<h3>BUCKSKIN ON GUARD</h3>
+<br />
+
+<p>"A good day's ride, all right, Bob!"</p>
+
+<p>"You never said truer words, Frank. And
+now, with night setting in, how far do you think
+we've covered since the start this morning?"</p>
+
+<p>The Kentucky boy sat in his saddle with a slight
+show of weariness, which was not to be wondered
+at, considering the steadiness with which they had
+kept on the move, hour after hour, heading in a
+general Westerly direction.</p>
+
+<p>The satin skin of Domino was flecked with
+foam. Even the tough little Buckskin mount of
+Frank showed signs of weariness; though ready
+to keep on if his master gave the word.</p>
+
+<p>"That would be hard to tell," replied the
+rancher's son; "but it must be all of sixty-five
+miles, I reckon."</p>
+
+<p>"Then that beats my record some," declared
+the other.</p>
+
+<p>"But it was a glorious gallop all the way
+through," asserted Frank.</p>
+
+<p>"That's what; and more to follow to-morrow,"
+his chum hastened to remark.</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg&nbsp;55]</a></span>
+
+<p>"But a different kind of travel, the chances
+are, Bob. To-day it happened that we were
+crossing the great mesa, and it was like a floor
+for being level. Over yonder, ahead, you can see
+the mountains we must cross. Then there are
+rivers to ford or swim. Yes, variety is the spice
+of life; and unless I miss my guess we're due for
+a big change to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>"Think we can make Flagstaff by to-morrow
+night?" asked the Kentucky lad, who, at a time
+like this, seemed to depend very much upon the
+superior knowledge of his chum, who had been
+brought up on the plains.</p>
+
+<p>"We're going to make a try; that's as far as
+I've got," laughed Frank. "But what about
+camping here?"</p>
+
+<p>"As good as anywhere," answered Bob.
+"Fact is, I'm admitting to being ready to drop
+down in any old place, so long as I can stretch my
+legs, and roll. No wonder a horse likes to turn
+over as soon as you take the saddle off. Shall
+we call it a go, Frank?"</p>
+
+<p>The other jumped to the ground. Bob thought
+he heard him give a little grunt in doing so; but
+just then he was interested in repressing his own
+feelings.</p>
+
+<p>However, when they had moved about somewhat,
+both boys confessed to feeling considerably
+better. As for the horses, there was no danger<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg&nbsp;56]</a></span>
+of their straying after that gallop of many hours
+in the hot sun. They took their roll, and then
+began hunting for stray tufts of grass among the
+buffalo berry bushes.</p>
+
+<p>The sun had already set, and twilight told of
+the coming night. Around them lay the mesa,
+with the mountains cropping up like a crust along
+the edge. It was a familiar scene, to Frank in
+particular, and one of which he never tired.</p>
+
+<p>"I noticed some jack rabbits as we came
+along," remarked Bob, "and as they always come
+out of their burrows about dusk to play, suppose
+I try and knock over a couple right now."</p>
+
+<p>"Wouldn't object myself to a good dinner of
+rabbit, after that ride," Frank admitted, as he
+proceeded to get the little tent in position, a task
+that was only a pleasure to a boy fond of all outdoors.</p>
+
+<p>So Bob immediately sauntered off toward the
+spot where he had noticed the long-eared animals,
+calculated to make a good meal for hungry campers.</p>
+
+<p>"I heard gophers whistling," called out Frank,
+"and that means there's a village somewhere close
+by. Keep your eyes out for the rattlers; they are
+always found where prairie dogs live."</p>
+
+<p>"I never forget that, Frank," came back from
+the disappearing hunter.</p>
+
+<p>Frank went on with his preparations. A fire<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg&nbsp;57]</a></span>
+would be necessary, if they expected to cook fresh
+meat; and it is not always an easy thing to have
+such when out on the open plain or mesa. But
+Frank had already sighted a supply of fuel sufficient
+for their needs and it was indeed next
+door to a miracle to find the dead branch of a
+pine tree here, far away from the mountains,
+where the nearest trees seemed to grow.</p>
+
+<p>"I reckon it was just lifted up in some little
+tornado, and carried through the air, just to land
+where we needed it," he remarked, as he dragged
+the log closer to where he had quickly put up the
+tent; and then began chopping at it with his little
+camp hatchet.</p>
+
+<p>As he worked there came a quick report from
+a point not far away.</p>
+
+<p>"That means one jack," he remarked, raising
+his head to listen; but to his surprise no second
+shot followed.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, if he hopes to get a pair, he'll have to
+hurry up his cakes," Frank went on; "because the
+night's settling down on us fast. But then one
+will give us a taste all around, and help out."</p>
+
+<p>It was some little time before he heard Bob
+coming, and then the Kentuckian seemed to be
+walking rather unsteadily. Frank jumped to his
+feet, with the suspicion that possibly after all Bob
+had met with a misfortune. In the minute of
+time that he was waiting for his chum to appear,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg&nbsp;58]</a></span>
+a number of things flashed through his head to
+give him uneasiness.</p>
+
+<p>Had Bob been unlucky enough to run across one
+of those aggressive little prairie rattlesnakes after
+all? Could he have wounded himself in any way
+when he fired his repeating rifle? Neither of
+these might prove to be the case; and yet Bob was
+certainly staggering as he came along.</p>
+
+<p>Now he could be seen by the light of the little
+fire. Frank stared, for his chum was certainly
+bending over, as though bearing a load. He had
+heard no outcry that would signify the presence
+of others in the neighborhood. Ah! surely those
+were the long slender legs of an antelope which
+Bob gripped in front of him.</p>
+
+<p>"Bully for you!" exclaimed Frank. "Where
+under the sun did you run across that fine game?
+Say, you sure take the cake, stepping out just to
+knock over a couple of long-ears; and then coming
+back ten minutes later with a fine antelope on
+your back. How did you do it, Bob?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know," laughed the other. "Happened
+to start up against the wind, and was creeping
+up behind some buffalo berry bushes to see
+if there were any jack rabbits beyond, when this
+little fellow jumped to his feet. Why he didn't
+light out when we came along, I never could tell
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! he just knew we wanted a good supper,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg&nbsp;59]</a></span>
+I reckon," Frank remarked. "And now to get
+busy."</p>
+
+<p>It did not take them long to cut some choice
+bits from the antelope, which they began to cook
+at the fire, thrusting the meat through with long
+splinters of wood, which in turn were held in a
+slanting position in the ground. When one part
+gave evidence of being browned the novel spit
+was turned until all sides had been equally served.</p>
+
+<p>"Remember the way Old Hank showed us
+how to toll antelope for a shot, when you can't
+find cover to get near enough?" asked Frank, as
+they sat there, disposing of their supper, with the
+satisfaction hunger always brings in its train.</p>
+
+<p>"You mean with the red handkerchief waved
+over the top of a bush?" Bob went on. "Hank
+said there never was a more curious little beast
+than an antelope. If he didn't have a red rag a
+white one would do. Once he said he just lay
+down on his back and kicked his heels in the air.
+The game ran away, but came back; and each time
+just a little bit closer, till Hank could fire, and get
+his supper. I've done something the same for
+ducks, in a marsh back home, trying to draw their
+attention to the decoys I had out."</p>
+
+<p>A small stream ran near by, at which the boys
+and horses had quenched their thirst. Sometimes
+its gentle murmur floated to their ears as they sat
+there, chatting, and wondering whether their mission<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg&nbsp;60]</a></span>
+to the Grand Canyon was destined to bear
+fruit or not.</p>
+
+<p>"I can get the smell of some late wild roses,"
+remarked Frank. "And it isn't often that you
+find such things up on one of these high mesas, or
+table lands. Do you know, I rather imagine this
+used to be a favorite stamping ground for buffalo
+in those good old days when herds of tens of thousands
+could be met with, rolling like the waves of
+a sea over the plains."</p>
+
+<p>"What makes you think so?" asked Bob, always
+seeking information.</p>
+
+<p>"The grass, for one thing," came the reply.
+"Then I noticed quite a few old sun-burned remnants
+of skulls as we came along. The bone
+hunter didn't gather his crop in this region, that
+means. Besides, didn't you see all those queer
+little indentations that looked as though they
+might have been pools away back years ago?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, I did; and wondered whatever could
+have made them," Bob admitted.</p>
+
+<p>"I may be wrong," Frank continued; "but
+somehow I've got an idea that those must be what
+they used to call buffalo wallows. Anyhow, that
+doesn't matter to us. We've made a good day
+of it; found a jim-dandy place for a camp; got
+some juicy fresh meat; and to-morrow we hope to
+land in Flagstaff."</p>
+
+<p>"And what then?" queried Bob.</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg&nbsp;61]</a></span>
+
+<p>"We'll decide that while we ride along to-morrow,"
+Frank answered. "Perhaps it may
+seem better that we leave our horses there, and
+take the train for the Grand Canyon; though I'm
+inclined to make another day of it, and follow the
+old wagon trail over the mesa, and through the
+pine forest past Red Butte, to Grand View."</p>
+
+<p>"Listen to Buckskin snorting; what d'ye suppose
+ails him?" asked Bob, as his chum stopped
+speaking.</p>
+
+<p>"I was just going to say that myself," remarked
+Frank, putting out his hand for his rifle;
+and at the same time scattering the brands of the
+dying fire so that darkness quickly fell upon the
+spot.</p>
+
+<p>"Too late, I'm afraid," muttered Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"Seems like it, because the horses are sure
+coming straight for us," said Frank; "but there
+are many people moving around in this section,
+and perhaps some tenderfeet from the East have
+lost themselves, and would be glad of a chance to
+sit by our blaze and taste antelope meat, fresh
+where it is grown. Step back, Bob, and let's wait
+to see what turns up!"<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Contents</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2 class="space"><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII</a></h2>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg&nbsp;62]</a></span>
+
+<h3>STANDING BY THE LAW</h3>
+<br />
+
+<p>"What had we ought to do?" asked Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"They must have seen our fire, and that's what
+made them head this way. So, all we can do is
+to wait, and see what they want," replied Frank.</p>
+
+<p>"But there don't seem to be many in the
+party," his chum went on.</p>
+
+<p>"I think not more than two, Bob."</p>
+
+<p>"You can tell from the beat of their horses'
+hoofs&mdash;is that it?" inquired the boy who wanted
+to learn.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it's easy enough, Bob."</p>
+
+<p>By this time the sounds had grown quite loud,
+and both boys strained their eyes, trying to locate
+the approaching horsemen. In the old days on
+the plains every stranger was deemed an enemy
+until he had proven himself a friend. Nowadays
+it is hardly so positive as that; but nevertheless
+those who are wise take no chances.</p>
+
+<p>"I see them!" Bob announced; but although
+the other saddle boy had not said so, he had picked
+up the advancing figures several seconds before.</p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg&nbsp;63]</a></span>
+
+<p>"One thing sure," remarked Frank, as though
+relieved, "I reckon they can't be horse thieves
+or cattle rustlers."</p>
+
+<p>"You mean they wouldn't be so bold about
+coming forward?" ventured Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"That's about the size of it; but we'll soon
+know," Frank went on.</p>
+
+<p>As the strangers drew rapidly nearer he began
+to make out their "style" for the night was not
+intensely dark. And somehow Frank's curiosity
+increased in bounds. He discovered no signs of
+the customary cowboy outfit about them. They
+wore garments that savored of civilization, and
+sat their horses with the air of men accustomed
+to much riding.</p>
+
+<p>"Hold hard there, strangers; or you'll be riding
+us down!" Frank sang out, as the newcomers
+loomed up close at hand.</p>
+
+<p>At that the others drew rein, and brought their
+horses to a halt. Bending low in the saddle they
+seemed to be peering at the dimly-seen figures of
+the two boys.</p>
+
+<p>"Who is it&mdash;speak quick!" one of the
+strangers said; and Frank believed he heard a
+suspicious click accompanying the thrilling words.</p>
+
+<p>"Two boys bound for Flagstaff and the Grand
+Canyon," he answered, not wishing to take any
+unnecessary chances.</p>
+
+<p>"Where from, and what's your names?" continued<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg&nbsp;64]</a></span>
+the other, in his commanding voice, that
+somehow told Frank he must be one accustomed
+to demanding obedience.</p>
+
+<p>The ranch boy no longer felt any uneasiness.
+He believed that these men were not to be feared.</p>
+
+<p>"I am the son of Colonel Haywood, owner
+of the Circle Ranch; and this is my chum, Bob
+Archer, a Kentucky boy," he said, boldly.</p>
+
+<p>Then the other man, who as yet had not spoken,
+took occasion to remark:</p>
+
+<p>"'Taint them, after all, Stanwix! Perhaps
+we've been following the wrong trail."</p>
+
+<p>The name gave Frank an idea. He had heard
+more or less about the doings of a sheriff in a
+neighboring county, called Yavapai, and his name
+was the same as that mentioned by the second
+dimly seen rider.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you gentlemen from Prescott?" he
+asked.</p>
+
+<p>"That's where I hold out when I'm home,"
+replied the one who had asked about their identity.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you Sheriff Stanwix?" pursued the boy,
+while his companion almost held his breath in
+suspense.</p>
+
+<p>"I am; and this is Hand, who holds the same
+office in this county of Coconino," replied the
+other, as he threw a leg over his saddle as though
+about to dismount.</p>
+
+<p>Both of them joined the boys, leaving their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg&nbsp;65]</a></span>
+horses to stand with the bridles thrown over their
+heads, cowboy fashion.</p>
+
+<p>Frank meanwhile had picked up some small
+fuel, and thrown it on the still smouldering fire.
+It immediately started up into a blaze that continued
+to increase.</p>
+
+<p>They could now see that their visitors were two
+keen-eyed men. The evidence of their calling
+lay in the stars that decorated their left breasts.
+Both looked as though they could hold their own
+against odds. And of course they were armed as
+became their dangerous profession.</p>
+
+<p>Bob was especially interested. He had never
+really had anything to do with an officer of the
+law; and surveyed the pair with all the ardor
+of boyish curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>To see one sheriff was a treat; but to have two
+drop down upon them after this fashion must
+be an event worth remembering.</p>
+
+<p>"We had the good luck to knock over a young
+antelope just before dark," Frank remarked, after
+each of the men had insisted in gravely shaking
+hands with both himself and Bob. "Perhaps you
+haven't had any supper, and wouldn't mind taking
+pot luck with us?"</p>
+
+<p>"How about that, Hand?" questioned the taller
+man, turning with a laugh to the second sheriff.</p>
+
+<p>"Just suits me," came the reply, as the speaker
+threw himself down on the hard ground. "Half<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg&nbsp;66]</a></span>
+an hour's rest will do the hosses some good, too."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, boys, we accept, and with pleasure,"
+Mr. Stanwix went on, turning again toward
+Frank.</p>
+
+<p>Bob immediately got busy, and started to cut
+further bits from the carcase of his small antelope.
+There would be plenty for even the
+healthy appetites of the two officers, and then
+leave enough for the boys' breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>"We're in something of a hurry to get on to
+Flagstaff ourselves, boys," the Yavapai sheriff
+remarked, as he sniffed the cooking venison with
+relish; "but the temptation to hold over a bit is
+too strong. You see, Hand and myself have just
+made up our minds to bag our birds this trip, no
+matter where it takes us, or how long we're on the
+job."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you're after some cattle rustlers or bad
+men, I reckon," Frank remarked.</p>
+
+<p>"A couple of the worst scoundrels ever known
+around these diggings," replied the officer.
+"They've been jumping from one county into another,
+when pushed; and in the end Hand, here,
+and myself concluded we'd just join our forces.
+We've got a posse to the south, and another working
+to the north; but we happened to strike the
+trail of our birds just before dusk, and we've been
+following it in hopes of reaching Flagstaff before
+they can get down into the gash, and hide."</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg&nbsp;67]</a></span>
+
+<p>"A trail, you say?" Frank observed. "Could
+it have been the one I've been following just out
+of curiosity, and because it seemed to run in the
+very direction my chum and myself were bound?"</p>
+
+<p>"That's just what it was, Frank," the sheriff
+answered, as he accepted the hot piece of browned
+venison, stick and all, which Bob was holding out.
+"We saw that there had come into the trail the
+marks of two new hosses; and naturally enough
+we got the idea that it might mean our men were
+being followed by a couple of their own kind."</p>
+
+<p>"Then when you saw our little fire, you thought
+we were the kind of steers you wanted to round
+up?" the boy asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! well," Mr. Stanwix replied with a little
+chuckle; "we kept a touch on our irons when I
+was asking you who you were; and if the reply
+hadn't been all that it was, I reckon we'd have
+politely asked you to throw up your hands, boys.
+But say, this meat is prime, and seems to go to
+the spot."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know which spot you mean, Stanwix,"
+remarked the other officer, who was also munching
+away like a half-starved man; "but mine suits
+me all right. I'm right glad we stopped. The
+rest will tone the nags up for a long pull; and as
+for me, I'll be in great shape after this feed."</p>
+
+<p>Bob was kept busy cooking more and more, for
+the two men seemed to realize, after once getting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg&nbsp;68]</a></span>
+a taste, that they were desperately hungry. But
+he did it with pleasure. There was something
+genial about the manner of Mr. Stanwix that quite
+captured the heart of the Kentucky lad. He
+knew the tall man could be as gentle as a woman,
+if the occasion ever arose when he had a wounded
+comrade to nurse; and if his reputation did
+not speak wrongly his courage was decidedly
+great.</p>
+
+<p>While they sat there the two men talked of
+various subjects. Frank was curious to know
+something about those whom they were now
+banded together in a determined effort to capture,
+and so Mr. Stanwix told a few outlines of the
+case.</p>
+
+<p>The men were known as the Arizona Kid and
+Big Bill Guffey. They had been cattlemen,
+miners, and about every other thing known to the
+Southwest. By degrees they had acquired the
+reputation of being bad men; and all sorts of lawless
+doings were laid at their door. And finally
+it came to defying the sheriff, evading capture by
+flitting to another county, and playing a game of
+hide-and-seek, until their bold methods were the
+talk of the whole country.</p>
+
+<p>Then it was the Coconino sheriff had conceived
+the idea of an alliance with his brother officer in
+the adjoining county, of which the thriving city
+of Prescott was the seat of government.</p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg&nbsp;69]</a></span>
+
+<p>Frank even had Mr. Stanwix describe the two
+men whom the officers were pursuing.</p>
+
+<p>"We expect to be around the Grand Canyon
+for some weeks," the lad remarked; "and it might
+be we'd run across these chaps. To know who
+they were, would be putting us on our guard, and
+besides, perhaps we might be able to get notice to
+you, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"That sounds all right, Frank," the other had
+hastened to reply; "and believe me, I appreciate
+your friendly feelings. It's the duty of all good
+citizens to back up the man they've put in office,
+when he's trying to free the community of a bad
+crowd."</p>
+
+<p>Then he explained just how they might get
+word to him in case they had anything of importance
+to communicate. Although the Tarapai
+sheriff knew nothing about wireless telegraphy, he
+did understand some of the methods which savage
+tribes in many countries use in order to send news
+hundreds of miles; sometimes by a chain of drums
+stationed on the hill tops miles apart; or it may be
+by the waving of a red flag.</p>
+
+<p>"And I want to tell you, Frank," Mr. Stanwix
+concluded, "if so be you ever do have occasion to
+send me that message, just make up your minds
+that I'll come to you on the jump, with Hand at
+my heels. But for your own sakes I hope you
+won't run across these two hard cases. We've<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg&nbsp;70]</a></span>
+got an idea that they mean to do some hold-up
+game in the Grand Canyon, where hundreds of
+rich travelers gather. And if luck favors us we
+expect to put a spoke in their wheel before they
+run far!"<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Contents</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2 class="space"><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII</a></h2>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg&nbsp;71]</a></span>
+
+<h3>THE MOQUI WHO WAS CAUGHT NAPPING</h3>
+<br />
+
+<p>Sheriff Stanwix arose with a sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"Reckon we'd better be moving on, Hand,"
+he said, evidently with reluctance; for it was very
+pleasant sitting there, taking his ease beside the
+camp fire of the two boys; but when duty called
+this man never let anything stand in the way.</p>
+
+<p>Their horses had not strayed far away. Like
+most animals they had sought the company of
+their kind, as various sounds indicated, Buckskin
+doubtless showing his prairie strain by sundry nips
+with his teeth at the strangers.</p>
+
+<p>Another shake of hands all around; then the
+sheriffs threw themselves into their saddles, and
+were off. The last the two lads saw of them was
+when their figures were swallowed up in the night-mists;
+and then it was a friendly wave of the arm
+that told how much they had appreciated the hospitality
+of the saddle boys.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, anyhow, it doesn't seem quite so lonely
+out here, after all," said Frank, laughing, as he
+and his chum settled down again.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, no," added Bob, "I thought we owned<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg&nbsp;72]</a></span>
+the whole coop; but I take it back. There are
+others abroad, it seems."</p>
+
+<p>"I only hope those two fly-by-night birds don't
+take a notion to double on their trail, and come
+back to pay us a visit," Frank remarked; and of
+course Bob understood that he meant the bad men
+who were being rounded up by Sheriff Stanwix,
+aided by the official of Coconino County.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps we'd better douse the glim, then?"
+Bob suggested.</p>
+
+<p>"Let it burn out," Frank remarked; "I don't
+believe there's much chance of anybody else seeing
+it now; because it's pretty low. Our tent
+shows up about as plain, come to think of it; but
+I don't mean to do without shelter."</p>
+
+<p>They sat there, chatting on various subjects, for
+some time. Of course their mission to the region
+of the greatest natural wonder in the world took
+a leading part in this conversation. But then
+they also spoke of their recent visitors; and as
+Bob showed signs of considerable interest, Frank
+told all he had ever heard about the valor of the
+Prescott sheriff.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know how you feel about it, Bob,"
+he said, at length, with a yawn, "but I'm getting
+mighty sleepy."</p>
+
+<p>"Same here; and I move we turn in," Bob immediately
+replied.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, as the idea had received unanimous<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg&nbsp;73]</a></span>
+approval, they took a look at the horses, now
+staked out with the ropes, and, finding them comfortable,
+both boys crawled under the canvas.</p>
+
+<p>Some hours later they were aroused suddenly
+by a shrill yell. As they sat up, and groped for
+their rifles, not realizing what manner of peril
+could be hanging over them, the loud snorting
+of the horses came to their ears.</p>
+
+<p>"Come on!" exclaimed Frank, in considerable
+excitement. "Sounds like somebody might be
+bothering our mounts!"</p>
+
+<p>Bob had not been so very long in the Western
+country; but he knew what that meant all right.
+Horses were supposed to be the most valuable
+possessions among men who spent their lives on
+the great plains and deserts of this region. In
+the old days it was deemed a capital crime to steal
+horses.</p>
+
+<p>So Bob, shivering with excitement, but not fear,
+hastened to follow at the heels of his chum, as
+Frank hastily crawled out of the tent.</p>
+
+<p>A rather battered looking moon was part way
+up in the Eastern heavens. Though the light she
+gave was none of the best, still, to the boys, coming
+from the interior of the tent, it seemed quite
+enough to enable them to see their way about,
+and even distinguish objects at a little distance.</p>
+
+<p>Frank lost no time heading in the direction
+where he knew the horses had been staked out.</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg&nbsp;74]</a></span>
+
+<p>"Anyhow, they don't seem to have got them
+yet," remarked Bob, gleefully, as the sound of
+prancing and snorting came to their ears louder
+than ever.</p>
+
+<p>Frank stopped for a couple of seconds to listen.</p>
+
+<p>"Buckskin is carrying on something fierce," he
+muttered. "He seems to be furiously mad, too.
+Perhaps, after all, it may be a bear sniffing
+around; though I'd never expect to find such a
+thing out here, so far away from the
+mountains."</p>
+
+<p>He again started on, with Bob close at his elbow.
+The words of his chum had given the Kentucky
+lad new cause for other thrills. What if it
+should prove to be a grizzly bear? He had had
+one experience with such a monster, and was not
+particularly anxious for another, not being in the
+big game class.</p>
+
+<p>Now they were approaching the spot where the
+two roped horses were jumping restlessly about,
+making queer sounds that could only indicate
+alarm.</p>
+
+<p>Frank spoke to his animal immediately, thinking
+to reassure him.</p>
+
+<p>"Easy now, Buckskin; what's making you act
+this way? I don't see any enemy. If you've
+given a false alarm, it'll sure be for the first
+time!"</p>
+
+<p>"Frank!" ventured the other lad, just then.</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg&nbsp;75]</a></span>
+
+<p>"What is it, Bob?"</p>
+
+<p>"I thought I heard a low groan!" continued
+the Kentucky boy, in awed tones.</p>
+
+<p>"You did?" ejaculated Frank, quickly.
+"Have you any idea where it came from?"</p>
+
+<p>As if to make it quite unnecessary for Bob to
+reply, there came just then a low but distinct grunt
+or groan. Frank could not tell which.</p>
+
+<p>"Over this way, Frank; he's in this direction!"
+exclaimed the impulsive Bob, as he started
+to move off.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait a minute," said the practical and cautious
+Frank. "You never know what sort of
+game you're up against, around here. Some of
+these horse thieves can toll a fellow away from
+his camp to beat the band, while a mate gets off
+with the saddle band. I've been warned against
+that very sort of play. Go slow, Bob, and keep
+a finger on your trigger, I tell you."</p>
+
+<p>They advanced slowly, looking all around in
+the dim moonlight. Twice more the strange
+sounds arose. Frank jumped to the conclusion
+that it was, after all, no attempt to draw them
+farther and farther away from the tent; because
+the groans seemed to come from the one spot, instead
+of gradually moving off in a tempting manner.</p>
+
+<p>"Here he is, Bob!" he said, presently; and
+the other, looking, saw a huddled-up figure lying<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg&nbsp;76]</a></span>
+upon the ground in the midst of the low buffalo
+berry bushes.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately they were bending over the form,
+which had moved at their approach.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, it's an Indian, Frank!" cried Bob, in
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and unless I miss my guess, a Moqui
+Indian at that," Frank replied. "Three of them
+wandered down our way once, and gave us some
+interesting exhibitions of their customs. You
+know their home is up to the north. They are
+said to be the descendants of the old cliff dwellers
+who made all those holes high up in the rocks, to
+keep out of the reach of enemies."</p>
+
+<p>He was bending down over the other even
+while saying this; and feeling to see if the Indian
+could have been wounded in any way.</p>
+
+<p>"What seems to be the matter with him,
+Frank?" asked Bob, when this thing had been
+going on for a full minute, the stricken man
+grunting, and Frank appearing to continue his investigations.</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you what," Frank remarked, presently;
+"I honestly believe he's been kicked by the heels
+of my sassy little Buckskin; perhaps he's badly
+hurt; and then again, he may only have had the
+wind knocked out of him. That horse is as bad
+as any mule you ever saw, when it comes to planting
+his heels."</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg&nbsp;77]</a></span>
+
+<p>"But what was he prowling around the camp
+for?" asked Bob, who had a hazy idea concerning
+the red men of the West, gained perhaps
+from early reading of the attacks on the wagon
+trains of the pioneers of the prairie.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! these Moqui Indians wouldn't do a white
+man any harm, unless they happened to take too
+much juice of the agave plant, in the shape of
+mescal," Frank hastened to say; "and I don't
+seem to get the smell of that stuff. So the
+chances are that he had something of an eye to
+our horses."</p>
+
+<p>"And as he didn't know about Buckskin's ways
+he gave the little pony a chance to get in some
+dents. But he may be badly hurt, Frank," Bob
+went on, his natural kindness of heart cropping up
+above any feeling of animosity he might have
+experienced.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose, then, we'll just have to tote the
+beggar to the tent, and start up that fire again,
+while we look him over. If those hind feet came
+slap against his ribs, the chances are we'll find a
+few of them broken."</p>
+
+<p>Swinging their rifles into one hand they managed
+to take hold of the grunting Moqui, and in
+this primitive fashion began hauling him along.
+Buckskin continued to prance and snort as though
+demanding whether he had not amply fulfilled his
+duty as guardian to the camp; but no one paid the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg&nbsp;78]</a></span>
+least attention to him just then. Arriving at the
+tent the boys proceeded to rekindle the fire.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, he's coming to, Frank!" exclaimed
+Bob, as, having finished his task, he turned to see
+his chum bending over the victim of Buckskin's
+hoofs, and noted that the would-be horse thief
+was struggling to sit up.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't believe he's hurt very bad," Frank
+declared. "I've felt all over his body, and don't
+seem to find any signs of broken bones."</p>
+
+<p>"Listen to him gasp right now, as if the breath
+had been knocked out of him," remarked Bob.
+"He's going to speak, Frank, sure he is. I wonder
+can we understand what he says. Moqui
+wasn't included in my education at the Military
+Institution at Frankfort."</p>
+
+<p>The Indian was indeed trying to get enough
+air in his lungs to enable him to say something.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Contents</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2 class="space"><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX</a></h2>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg&nbsp;79]</a></span>
+
+<h3>"TALK ABOUT LUCK!"</h3>
+<br />
+
+<p>"No hurt Havasupai!" was what he managed
+to say, hoarsely.</p>
+
+<p>"We're not going to hurt you, old man," remarked
+Frank; for he had seen that the Indian
+was no stripling. "What we want to know is,
+how you came to get so close to the heels of my
+horse as to be kicked? Tell us that, Havasupai,
+if you please."</p>
+
+<p>There was no answer, although twice the exhausted
+red man opened his lips as if to speak.</p>
+
+<p>"That knocks the props out from under him,
+Frank," remarked Bob; "because he was bent on
+getting away with one or both mounts."</p>
+
+<p>"How about that, Havasupai; weren't you
+thinking of stealing a horse, when that animal
+just keeled you over so neatly?" Frank demanded.</p>
+
+<p>The Indian was sitting up now. His head was
+hanging low on his chest. Perhaps it was shame
+that caused this: or it might have been a desire to
+keep his face hidden from the searching eyes of
+the white boys.</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg&nbsp;80]</a></span>
+
+<p>Then, as though realizing the utter folly of
+denying what must appear so evident, he nodded
+his head slowly.</p>
+
+<p>"It is true, white boy," he muttered, in fair
+English. "Havasupai meant to take a horse.
+He had looked upon the man who beckons, and
+he was afraid, because he had trouble at his village.
+He believed every man's hand was against
+him. And so he would flee to the desert where
+the white man's big medicine would not find him.
+There he might die with the poison snakes and
+the whooping birds."</p>
+
+<p>Bob was of course puzzled by some of the
+things the Indian said.</p>
+
+<p>"What does he mean, Frank?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I take it the warrior has been in some sort
+of fuss at his village," the other replied. "Perhaps
+he even struck his chief in anger, and that
+made an offense punishable with death. These
+Moqui Indians are a queer lot, anyhow, I've
+heard. Then he must have skipped out, and by
+accident seeing our friend, Sheriff Stanwix, known
+to him as the 'man who beckons,' he just imagined
+they were looking for him."</p>
+
+<p>"And that locoed him so much that he just
+couldn't stand it any longer," Bob said. "Discovering
+our camp he got the notion in his head
+that a horse might take him out of the danger
+zone. So he was in the act of jumping on one of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg&nbsp;81]</a></span>
+our mounts when your clever little beast took a
+hand, or rather a hoof, in the matter. But do
+you know what he means by whooping birds?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I can give a guess," replied Frank.
+"That must mean the little owl that lives with
+the prairie dogs in their holes, along with the
+poison snake, otherwise the rattler."</p>
+
+<p>"Looks like we've just got our hands full to-night,
+Frank!"</p>
+
+<p>"You're right, Bob. First we feed two hungry
+sheriffs, and pick up quite a little news about the
+bad men they're looking for. Next, along comes
+this Moqui, Havasupai he says his name is, and
+he gets in a bad fix by trying to run off our horses;
+and feeling sorry for the old chap we lug him to
+our tent, and look him over, ready to even bind
+up his wounds, if he has any."</p>
+
+<p>"Getting to be a habit, isn't it, Frank?"</p>
+
+<p>"Seems like it," returned the taller boy, as he
+once more turned toward the seated Indian.
+"Here, can you tell us where my horse kicked
+you?"</p>
+
+<p>"It matters not much. Havasupai get what
+he needs because he try to steal horse from good
+white boys," came the humble reply.</p>
+
+<p>"One thing sure," remarked Frank aside to his
+chum, "he's been in touch with the whites a heap,
+or he wouldn't know how to talk as he does. But
+then, that isn't so queer. You know that these<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg&nbsp;82]</a></span>
+Moquis pick up a lot of good coin from the travelers
+who come and go at the Grand Canyon."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, yes," Bob went on to say, "I've always
+heard that one of the sights of this wonderland
+was the snake dance of the Moquis. I read an
+account of it in a magazine once. It said that
+hundreds of people gathered from many quarters
+to be on hand and see it, because it occurs only
+once a year. Some of them were big guns in
+science, too."</p>
+
+<p>"They're getting more and more interested in
+these Indians of the Southwest," Frank continued;
+"and trying all the time to find out just where
+they fit in the long-ago past. That's what made
+old Uncle Felix, who had already made a name
+for himself, give up his happy home, and hide all
+these months down here. He wants to learn the
+long-buried secrets of the past history of the
+Zunis, the Moquis, and other tribes that might
+have sprung from the old cliff builders."</p>
+
+<p>"But what can we do with this fellow, Frank?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! well, nothing much, I reckon," the other
+answered, carelessly. "He must have been
+plum locoed at seeing the sheriff, and hardly knew
+what he was doing when he set out to grab Buckskin.
+We'll just have to let him sleep here till
+morning, and then give him a bite of breakfast."</p>
+
+<p>"Just as you say, Frank; you ought to know
+what's best," Bob hastened to declare. "Now I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg&nbsp;83]</a></span>
+wonder what'll be the next thing on the programme?
+I hope we don't have the two men the
+sheriff is hunting, drop in to make us a call."</p>
+
+<p>"Little danger of that now," Frank remarked
+reassuringly. "By this time they're well on their
+way to Flagstaff. Here, Havasupai, as you call
+yourself; we don't mean to do you any harm, even
+if you did play us a mean trick when you tried to
+steal a mount. Understand?"</p>
+
+<p>The old Indian looked up at Frank through
+his masses of coarse black hair, just beginning to
+be streaked with gray.</p>
+
+<p>"Not do any harm," he repeated, as though
+hardly able to grasp the meaning of the words
+Frank spoke; then his brown face lighted up with
+a grim smile. "White boys good; Havasupai
+glad him not take horse. Bad Indian! But
+not always that way; him carry speaking paper
+tell how make good," and he thumped his breast
+as he said this.</p>
+
+<p>Again did Bob's eyes seek the face of his chum
+in a questioning manner. Frank, having been
+raised amid such scenes, could more readily understand
+what the Moqui meant when he referred
+to certain things which Bob had never heard mentioned
+before.</p>
+
+<p>"He means that he's got a letter of recommendation
+along with him, written by some tourist,
+I reckon. Perhaps this old fellow may have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg&nbsp;84]</a></span>
+found a chance to do some one a good turn. He
+may have run across a greenhorn wandering on
+the desert; saved a fellow who had been stabbed
+by the fangs of a viper from the Gila; or helped
+him to camp when he broke a leg in climbing
+around the Grand Canyon."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I see what you mean, Frank; that this
+party wrote out a recommendation to all concerned,
+stating that in his opinion Havasupai was
+a fine fellow, and worth trusting. But then that
+was before he got into this trouble at this village.
+If he's a fugitive from justice at the hands of his
+own tribe, such a paper isn't worth much, I guess."</p>
+
+<p>"No more it isn't," agreed Frank.</p>
+
+<p>"But all the same he means to stick us with it,"
+chuckled Bob; "for you can see he's got his hand
+in his shirt right now, as if searching for something
+so valuable that he won't even carry it in his
+ditty bag."</p>
+
+<p>"That's right, Bob."</p>
+
+<p>"And now he's got in touch with that old letter,"
+grunted Bob. "I suppose we'll just have
+to read it to please him."</p>
+
+<p>"You can if you care to," remarked Frank.
+"As for me, I'm that sleepy I only want a
+chance to crawl back into the tent, and take up my
+interrupted nap where it broke off."</p>
+
+<p>"But good gracious! do you really mean it?"
+exclaimed the puzzled Bob.</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg&nbsp;85]</a></span>
+
+<p>"Why not?" demanded his chum.</p>
+
+<p>"And leave him loose here, with the horses
+close by?" Bob went on, aghast.</p>
+
+<p>At that Frank laughed a little.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," he said, drily; "so far as the horses
+are concerned, I reckon our old friend Havasupai
+will go a long way on foot before he ever tries to
+steal a promising looking pony again. As long
+as he lives he'll remember how it feels to get a
+pair of hoofs fairly planted against his back. So
+long, Bob. Tell the old fraud he can lie down
+anywhere he pleases, and share our breakfast in
+the morning."</p>
+
+<p>"That's the way you rub it in, Frank; returning
+evil with good," the Kentucky boy remarked.
+"But since you want me to take him in hand, I'll
+be the victim, and read his letter of recommendation,
+though I can already guess what it will
+say."</p>
+
+<p>The old Moqui had meanwhile succeeded in
+getting out the paper which he seemed to set so
+much store by. Looking up, and seeing that
+Frank had turned away, he offered it to Bob,
+who took it gravely, and proceeded to hold it so
+that the light of the little fire would fall upon
+the writing.</p>
+
+<p>Frank was half way in the tent when he heard
+his chum give utterance to a shout. He backed
+out again, and turning, looked hastily, half expecting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg&nbsp;86]</a></span>
+to see Bob engaged in a tussle with the
+old Indian.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing of the sort met his gaze. The Moqui
+was sitting there, staring at Bob, who had
+straightened up, and was starting to dance around,
+holding the paper in his extended hand.</p>
+
+<p>"What ails you, Bob?" demanded the other.
+"Haven't been taken with a sudden pain, after
+all that venison you stowed away, I hope."</p>
+
+<p>"Come out here, Frank!" called the lad by
+the fire. "Of all the luck! to think we'd strike
+such a piece as this! It's rich! It's the finest
+ever! We go to hunt for clues, and here they
+come straight to us. Talk to me about the favors
+of fortune, why, we're in it up to the neck!"</p>
+
+<p>"You seem to be tickled about something, Bob;
+has that paper any connection with it?" demanded
+Frank.</p>
+
+<p>"Well I should say, yes, by a big jugfull," replied
+the Kentucky boy. "And you'll agree with
+me when I tell you it's signed by Professor Felix
+Oswald, the very man we're going to search the
+Grand Canyon up and down to find!"<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Contents</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2 class="space"><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X</a></h2>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg&nbsp;87]</a></span>
+
+<h3>THE COPPER COLORED MESSENGER</h3>
+
+<br />
+
+<p>"Do you really mean it, Bob?" asked Frank,
+with the bewildered air of one who suspects a
+joke.</p>
+
+<p>"Take it yourself, and see," replied the other,
+holding out the discolored and wrinkled sheet on
+which the writing was still plainly to be read.</p>
+
+<p>Frank bent over, the better to allow the firelight
+to fall upon the queer document. This was
+what he read in a rather crabbed hand, though
+the writing could be read fairly well:</p>
+
+<p><i>"To Whom it May Concern; Greeting!</i></p>
+
+<p>"This is to certify to the good character of
+the bearer, a Moqui Indian by the name of Havasupai,
+who has rendered me a very great service,
+which proves him to be the friend of the white
+man, and a believer in the pursuit of science. I
+cheerfully recommend him to all who may be in
+need of a trustworthy and capable guide to the
+Grand Canyon.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 20em;">"<span class="smcap">Professor Oswald.</span></span>"</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg&nbsp;88]</a></span>
+
+<p>Frank looked up to see the grinning face of his
+chum thrust close to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Think it's genuine, Frank?" demanded the
+other.</p>
+
+<p>"I can see no reason why it shouldn't be," answered
+the other, glancing down again at the
+crumpled paper he held, and which the old Moqui
+was regarding with the greatest of pride on his
+brown face.</p>
+
+<p>"Looks like that paper Mr. Hinchman
+brought to my dad; yes, I'd stake my word on
+it, Bob, that the same hand wrote both."</p>
+
+<p>"But how d'ye suppose this greasy old Indian
+ever got the document?" asked the young Kentuckian.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll have to put it up to him, and find out,"
+came the reply. "He can speak United States
+all right; we've found that out already; and so
+you see, there's no reason under the sun why he
+shouldn't want to tell us."</p>
+
+<p>He turned to the Moqui. It was not the same
+sleepy boy apparently who, but a minute before,
+had started to creep into the comfortable tent,
+where the blankets lay; but a wide-awake fellow,
+eager to ascertain under what conditions this fugitive
+brave could have secured such a letter of
+recommendation from the man of science, who
+was supposed to have utterly vanished from the
+haunts of men without leaving a single trace behind,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg&nbsp;89]</a></span>
+up to the hour that message came to Colonel
+Haywood.</p>
+
+<p>Holding the paper up, and shaking it slightly,
+Frank started to put the Moqui warrior on the
+rack.</p>
+
+<p>"This belong to you, Havasupai?" he demanded,
+trying to assume a stern manner, such
+as he believed would affect the other more or
+less, and be apt to bring out straight answers
+to his leading questions.</p>
+
+<p>"The white boy has said," answered the other,
+for an Indian seldom answers in a direct way.</p>
+
+<p>"Where did you get it?" Frank continued,
+slowly, as if feeling his way; for he did not wish
+to alarm the Indian, knowing how obstinate a
+Moqui may prove if he once suspects that he is
+being coaxed into betraying some secret or a
+friend.</p>
+
+<p>The black, bead-like eyes were on the face of
+Frank as he put these questions. Doubtless the
+old Moqui balanced every one well before venturing
+a reply.</p>
+
+<p>"He gave it," nodding in the direction of the
+paper Frank held.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean the man who signed his name
+here, Professor Oswald?"</p>
+
+<p>A nod of the head in the affirmative settled
+that question.</p>
+
+<p>"Was he a small man with a bald head, no<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg&nbsp;90]</a></span>
+hair on top, and wearing glasses over his eyes,
+big, staring glasses?"</p>
+
+<p>Frank aided comprehension by touching the top
+of his own head when speaking about the loss of
+hair on the part of the noted scientist; and then
+made rings with his fingers and thumbs which
+he clapped to his eyes as though looking through
+a pair of spectacles.</p>
+
+<p>Evidently the Moqui understood. Reading
+signs was a part of his early education. In fact
+it comprised nearly four-fifths of all the Indian
+knew.</p>
+
+<p>"White boy heap wise; he know that the man
+give Havasupai talking paper. Much great man;
+know all. Tell Havasupai about cliff men. Find
+much good cook pot, heap more stuff in cave.
+Find out how cave men live. Write all down in
+book. Send Havasupai one, promise. It is
+well!"</p>
+
+<p>"But where did you meet him?" asked Frank;
+and he saw at once that this was getting very near
+the danger line, judging from the manner in
+which the Moqui acted; for he seemed to draw
+back, just as the alarmed tortoise will hide its
+head in its shell at the first sign of peril.</p>
+
+<p>"In canyon where picture rocks laugh at sun,"
+the Indian slowly said.</p>
+
+<p>"That ought to stand for the Grand Canyon,"
+remarked the boy.</p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg&nbsp;91]</a></span>
+
+<p>The keen ears of the Moqui caught the words,
+although they were almost spoken in whispers,
+and only intended for Bob.</p>
+
+<p>He nodded violently, and Frank somehow
+found himself wondering whether, after all, the
+shrewd Indian might not be wanting to deceive
+him. He may have conceived the idea that these
+two white boys were the enemies of the queer old
+professor; and for that reason would be careful
+how he betrayed the man who trusted him.</p>
+
+<p>"Listen, Moqui," said Frank, putting on a
+serious manner, so as to impress the other; "we
+are the friends of the little-old-man who has no
+hair on top of his head. We want to see him,
+talk with him! It means much good to him. He
+will be glad if you help us find him. Do you
+understand that?"</p>
+
+<p>The Indian's black eyes roved from one to the
+other of those bright young faces. Apparently
+he would be foolish to suspect even for a minute
+that the two lads could have any evil design in
+their minds.</p>
+
+<p>Still, the crafty look on his brown face grew
+more intense.</p>
+
+<p>"He has some good reason for refusing to accommodate
+us, I'm afraid," Bob said just then,
+as if he too had read the signs of that set countenance.</p>
+
+<p>"Why don't you answer me, Moqui?" Frank<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg&nbsp;92]</a></span>
+insisted, bent on knowing the worst. "We are
+on the way now to find the man who gave you
+this letter that talks. We have some good news
+for him. And you can help us if you will only
+tell in what part of the Grand Canyon Echo Cave
+lies."</p>
+
+<p>The Indian seemed to ponder. Evidently his
+mind worked slowly, when it tried to grapple with
+secrets. But one thing he knew, and this must
+be some solemn promise he had made the man of
+science, never under any conditions to betray his
+hiding-place to a living soul.</p>
+
+<p>"No can say; in canyon where picture rocks
+lie; that all," he finally declared, and Frank
+knew Indians well enough to feel sure that no
+torture could be painful enough to induce Havasupai
+to betray one he believed his friend, and
+whose magic talking paper he carried inside his
+shirt, to prove his good character.</p>
+
+<p>"That settles it, Bob, I'm afraid," he remarked
+to his chum, who had been listening
+eagerly to all that was being said. "You might
+try all sorts of terrible things and he wouldn't
+whisper a word, even if he believed all we told
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"That's tough," observed Bob; "but anyhow,
+we've got something out of it all, because we
+know now that the silly old professor must be
+hiding in one of those cliff caves, trying to read<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg&nbsp;93]</a></span>
+up the whole life history of the queer people who
+dug their homes out of the solid rock, tier after
+tier, away up the face of the cliffs."</p>
+
+<p>"True for you, Bob, and I'm glad to see how
+you take it. I had hoped the Moqui might make
+our job easier, as he could do, all right, if only
+he wanted to tell us a few things. But we're no
+worse off than we were before, in all things, and
+some better in a few."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish I could talk Moqui," declared Bob;
+"and perhaps then I'd be able to make the old
+fellow understand. Perhaps, Frank, if you gave
+him a little note to Uncle Felix, he might promise
+to take it to him later on!"</p>
+
+<p>"Hello! that's a good idea, I declare," exclaimed
+Frank; "and I'll just do that same while
+I think of it."</p>
+
+<p>He immediately drew out a pad of paper, and
+a fountain pen which he often carried for business
+purposes, since there were times when he had
+to sign documents as a witness for his father.</p>
+
+<p>The old Moqui watched him closely. Evidently
+the spider-like handwriting was a deep
+mystery to him, and he must always feel a certain
+amount of respect for any white person who could
+communicate with another by means of the "talking
+paper."</p>
+
+<p>"There," said Frank, presently, "that ought
+to do the business, I reckon."</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg&nbsp;94]</a></span>
+
+<p>"What did you say?" asked his comrade, who
+was busy at the fire just then, drawing some of
+the partly-burned wood aside, so that their supply
+might hold out in the morning.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" Frank went on, "I told him dad had
+his note, sent in that bottle. Then I mentioned
+the important fact that the mine paper he carried
+had increased in value thousands of dollars.
+And I wound up by telling him how much we
+wanted to see and talk with him. I signed my
+name, and yours, to the note."</p>
+
+<p>"And now to see whether the Moqui will
+promise to carry it to your great-uncle."</p>
+
+<p>Frank held the note up.</p>
+
+<p>"You will not tell us where we can find the
+little man without any hair on his head, Havasupai,"
+he said. "But surely you will not say no
+when I ask you to carry this talking paper to him.
+It will please him very much. He will shake
+your hand, and many times thank you. How?"</p>
+
+<p>The cautious old Moqui seemed to be weighing
+chances in his suspicious mind.</p>
+
+<p>"Three to one he thinks we mean to spy on
+him, and find it all out that way," was Bob's
+quick opinion.</p>
+
+<p>"Just what was in my mind; I could read it
+in his sly old face. But all the same he's going
+to consent, Bob."</p>
+
+<p>The Kentucky boy wondered how Frank could<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg&nbsp;95]</a></span>
+tell this. He was even more surprised when the
+Indian stretched out a hand for the note, as he
+said solemnly:</p>
+
+<p>"Havasupai will carry the talking paper to the
+man who has no hair on his head. But no eye
+must see him do it. The white boys must say to
+Havasupai that they will not try to follow him."</p>
+
+<p>Frank looked at his chum, and nodded.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll just have to do it, I guess, to satisfy
+the suspicious old fraud, Bob," he remarked; and
+then raising his hand, while his chum did likewise
+Frank went on, addressing the Moqui, who
+watched every action with glittering black eyes:
+"We promise not to follow, Havasupai, and will
+hope that this talking paper may cause the man-who-hides
+to send you for us to take us to him.
+You understand all that I am saying, don't
+you?"</p>
+
+<p>The Moqui said something in his native
+language, which of course neither of them comprehended.
+But at the same time he reached out
+his hand and deliberately took the note intended
+for Uncle Felix.</p>
+
+<p>"Hurrah! he's going to act as our messenger!"
+exclaimed Bob, filled with anticipations
+of success. "Say, that was a pretty smart dodge
+on our part, after all. But it makes me hold my
+breath every time I think of our good luck in
+running across this chap the way we did. And<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg&nbsp;96]</a></span>
+Buckskin deserves all the credit. He did it with
+his wonderful little tap."</p>
+
+<p>"All right," said Frank; "me for the land of
+sleep now! Havasupai, you can lie down where
+you will. In the morning we promise you a share
+of our meat. How?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is well, white boy," replied the old Moqui,
+as he dropped in a heap, and evidently meant to
+sleep just as he was without any further preparations.</p>
+
+<p>Bob also crawled into the tent, although he had
+some misgivings, and wondered whether his
+chum were really doing a wise thing to trust one
+who had just confessed to a desire to raid their
+horses.</p>
+
+<p>But as Bob, too, was tired and sleepy, he soon
+forgot all his suspicions in slumber. When he
+awoke he could see the daylight peeping under
+the canvas. Without disturbing his companion,
+Bob immediately started to crawl out. He had
+suddenly remembered the old Moqui; and it
+seemed as though his fears must have returned
+two-fold, and nothing would do but that he must
+hasten to make sure all was well.</p>
+
+<p>Frank was just opening his eyes a little while
+later when he saw Bob's head thrust in at the
+opening of the tent.</p>
+
+<p>"Better get up, Frank," the other said. "I've
+started the fire, and after we've had breakfast<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg&nbsp;97]</a></span>
+we'll be on our way. It was just as you said,
+though; he had the good sense to keep clear of
+the heels of the horses."</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you talking about, the Moqui?"
+asked Frank, sitting up suddenly, as he caught a
+peculiar strain in the other's voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, our friend, Havasupai; who vamoosed
+in the night!" laughed Bob.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Contents</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2 class="space"><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI</a></h2>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg&nbsp;98]</a></span>
+
+<h3>AT THE GRAND CANYON</h3>
+<br />
+
+<p>"Do you mean it?" asked Frank.</p>
+
+<p>"Come out, and see for yourself," Bob returned.
+"I've looked all around, and not a sign
+of the old fellow can I find."</p>
+
+<p>"And both horses are there?" Frank continued,
+making a break for the exit.</p>
+
+<p>"As fine as you please. Our friend didn't
+want a second try from those clever heels of
+Buckskin. He gave them a wide berth when he
+cleared out, I warrant. Oh! you can look everywhere,
+and you won't see a whiff of Havasupai.
+He's skipped by the light of the moon, all right."</p>
+
+<p>Bob backed off, as his chum walked this way
+and that. He grinned as though he really enjoyed
+the whole thing. In his mind he had
+figured that it would turn out something this
+way, so he was not very much surprised.</p>
+
+<p>"What d'ye think, Frank," he exclaimed,
+presently; "don't you remember promising to
+share our venison at breakfast with the Moqui?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why yes, to be sure I do; but what of that,
+Bob?"</p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg&nbsp;99]</a></span>
+
+<p>"Only that he didn't forget," laughed the
+other.</p>
+
+<p>Frank immediately glanced toward the carcase
+of the little antelope.</p>
+
+<p>"Ginger! he did go and cut himself a piece
+from it, sure enough," he admitted.</p>
+
+<p>"While he thought our company not as nice
+as our room, still, he didn't object to sharing our
+meat. And, Frank, he wasn't at all stingy about
+the amount he took, either," Bob complained.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! well, I reckon there's still enough for
+us, and to spare. Besides, we've got heaps of
+other things along in our packs, for an emergency,
+you know. Suppose we make a pot of coffee, and
+start things."</p>
+
+<p>"That's all right, Frank; I'll attend to it," declared
+Bob; "but why under the sun do you suppose
+now, that sly old Moqui dodged out like
+that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, for one thing, he may have suspected
+us," replied Frank.</p>
+
+<p>"What! after all we did for him, took him in,
+and forgave his sins, even to offering to mend any
+broken ribs, if he'd had any, through that horse
+kick? I can't just understand that," Bob ventured,
+while he measured out enough ground
+coffee to make a pot of the tempting hot beverage.</p>
+
+<p>"He took the alarm, it seems," Frank went<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg&nbsp;100]</a></span>
+on, indifferently. "Knew we wanted to find the
+man who had given him the talking paper; and
+was afraid we might try to make him tell; or,
+that failing, stalk him when he went to deliver
+my note. And on the whole I can't much blame
+the old Indian. Suspicion is a part of their
+nature. He believed he was on the safe side in
+slipping away as he did. Forget it, Bob. We've
+learned a heap by his just dropping in on us, I
+think."</p>
+
+<p>"Sure we have," replied the other, being busily
+employed over the fire just then. "And I was
+thinking what he could have meant when he
+pointed off in the direction I calculate the Grand
+Canyon lies, and said in answer to one of your
+questions: 'Seek there! When the sun is red it
+shines in Echo Cave!'"</p>
+
+<p>"I've guessed that riddle, and it was easy,"
+Frank remarked.</p>
+
+<p>"Then let me hear about it, because I'm pretty
+dull when it comes to understanding all this lovely
+sign language of the Indians," Bob remarked.</p>
+
+<p>"Listen, then. The sun is said to be red when
+its setting; that's plain enough; isn't it, Bob?"</p>
+
+<p>"All O.K. so far, Frank. I won't forget that
+in a hurry, either."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, when he said it looked into the cave
+at sunset, it was another way of telling us the
+cave faced the west!" Frank continued.</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg&nbsp;101]</a></span>
+
+<p>"Well, what a silly chap I was not to guess
+that," chuckled the other.</p>
+
+<p>"And from what I know about the bigness of
+that canyon, Bob, I think that this unknown Echo
+Cave must be pretty high up on the face of a big
+cliff to the east of the river."</p>
+
+<p>"Why high up? I don't get on to any reason
+for your saying that?" inquired Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"You'll see it just as soon as I mention why,"
+remarked his companion. "When the sun is going
+down in the west, far beyond the horizon,
+don't you see that it can only shine along the very
+upper part of the cliffs? The lower part is already
+lost in the shadows that drop late in the
+afternoon in all canyons."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, and it's as plain to me now as the
+nose on my face," agreed Bob. "Queer, how easy
+we see these things after they've been explained."</p>
+
+<p>It did not take long to prepare breakfast, and
+still less time to eat it once the coffee and venison
+were ready. Just as Frank had said, there
+was plenty of the meat for the meal.</p>
+
+<p>"That was a mighty juicy little antelope, all
+right," remarked Bob, as he finished his last bite,
+and prepared to get up from the ground where
+he had been enjoying his ease during the meal.</p>
+
+<p>"And for one I don't care how soon you repeat
+the dose," remarked Frank; "only it will be a
+long day before you get one of the timid little<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg&nbsp;102]</a></span>
+beasts as easy as that accommodating chap fell
+to your gun. Why, he was just a gift, that's all
+you could call it, Bob."</p>
+
+<p>"That's what I've been thinking myself, though
+of course I don't know as much about them as
+you do, by a long shot," Bob admitted. "I suppose
+it's us to hit the saddle again now?"</p>
+
+<p>"We're going to try and make Flagstaff by
+night," Frank announced, as he picked up his saddle
+and bridle, and walked toward the spot where
+Buckskin was staked out.</p>
+
+<p>The horses had been able to drink all they
+wanted during the night, for the ropes by means
+of which they were tethered allowed of a range
+that took them to the little spring hole from which
+the water gushed, to run away, and, in the end,
+possibly unite with the wonderful Colorado.</p>
+
+<p>In ten minutes more the boys were off at a
+round gallop. There was no intention of pushing
+their mounts so soon in the day. Like most
+persons who have spent much time on horseback
+both lads knew the poor policy of urging
+an animal to its best speed in the early part of
+a journey, especially one that is to be prolonged
+for ten or twelve hours.</p>
+
+<p>At noon they were far enough advanced for
+Frank to declare he had no doubt about being
+able to make Flagstaff before sunset.</p>
+
+<p>"When we get there, and spend a night at the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg&nbsp;103]</a></span>
+hotel, we must remember and ask if our friend
+Mr. Stanwix and his partner arrived in good
+time, and went on," Bob suggested.</p>
+
+<p>Just as Frank had expected, they made the
+town on the railroad before the sun had dropped
+out of sight; and the horses were in fair condition
+at that.</p>
+
+<p>Flagstaff only boasts of a normal population
+of between one and two thousand; but there are
+times, with the influx of tourists bound for the
+Grand Canyon, when it is a lively little place.</p>
+
+<p>The two boys only desired shelter and rest for
+themselves and their horses during the night. It
+was their intention to push on early the following
+day, keeping along the old wagon trail that at one
+time was the sole means of reaching the then
+little known Wonderland along the deeply sunk
+Colorado.</p>
+
+<p>After a fairly pleasant night, they had an
+early breakfast. The horses proved to be in fine
+fettle, and eager for the long gallop. So the two
+saddle boys once more started forth.</p>
+
+<p>The day promised to be still warmer than the
+preceding one; and the first part of the journey
+presented some rather difficult problems. They
+managed to put the San Francisco Mountains behind
+them, however, and from that on the dash
+was for the most part over a fairly level plateau.</p>
+
+<p>Now and then they were threading the trail<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg&nbsp;104]</a></span>
+through great pine forests, and again it was a
+mesa that opened up before them.</p>
+
+<p>Bob was especially delighted.</p>
+
+<p>"Think we'll make it, Frank?" he asked,
+about the middle of the afternoon, as they cantered
+along, side by side, the horses by this time
+having had pretty much all their "ginger" as
+Bob called it taken out of them, though still able
+to respond to a sudden emergency, had one arisen.</p>
+
+<p>"I reckon so," replied the other. "According
+to my map we're within striking distance right
+now. Given two more hours, and we'll possibly
+sight the border of the big hole. That was Red
+Horse Tank we just passed, you know," and he
+pointed out their position on the little chart to
+Bob.</p>
+
+<p>It was half an hour to sundown when the well
+known Grand View Hotel stood out in plain sight
+before them; and before the shades of night commenced
+to fall, the tired boys had thrown themselves
+from their saddles, seen to the comfort of
+the faithful steeds, and mounted to the porch of
+the hotel for a flitting view of the amazing
+spectacle that spread itself before them, ere darkness
+hid its wonderful and majestic beauty.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Contents</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2 class="space"><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII</a></h2>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg&nbsp;105]</a></span>
+
+<h3>HOW THE LITTLE TRAP WORKED</h3>
+
+<br />
+
+<p>"What do you think of it?" asked Frank,
+after they had stood there a short time, taking in
+the picture as seen in the late afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>"It's hard to tell," Bob replied slowly. "It's
+so terribly big, that a fellow ought to take his
+time letting the thing soak in. That further wall
+looks as if you could throw a stone over to it;
+and yet they say it's more than a mile from here."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," Frank went on, "and all along in the
+Grand Canyon there are what seem to be little
+hills, every one of which is a mountain in itself.
+They only look small in comparison with the
+tremendous size of the biggest gap in the whole
+world."</p>
+
+<p>"And how far does this thing run&mdash;is it fifty
+miles in length?" Bob asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I understand that the river runs through this
+canyon over two hundred miles," the other replied.
+"And all the way there are scores, if not
+hundreds, of smaller canyons and 'washes,'
+reaching out like the fingers of a whopping big
+hand; or the feelers of a centipede."</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg&nbsp;106]</a></span>
+
+<p>"That's what I read about it away back; but
+I had forgotten," Bob remarked. "And they say
+that it would be a year's trip to try and follow the
+Grand Canyon all the way down from beginning
+to end, only on one side."</p>
+
+<p>"I reckon it would, for you'd have to trace
+every one of these lateral gashes up to its source,
+so as to cross over. And that would mean
+thousands of miles to be covered."</p>
+
+<p>"Gee!" exclaimed Bob, throwing up his hands
+as he spoke; "when you say that, it makes a fellow
+have some little idea of the size of this hole.
+And to think it's come just by the river eating
+away the soil!"</p>
+
+<p>"They call that erosion," remarked Frank,
+who had of course posted himself on many of
+these facts, during his previous visit to the
+canyons of the Little Colorado. "It's been going
+on for untold thousands of years; and as the
+river with its tributaries has gradually eaten away
+the soil and rocks, it has left the grandest pictured
+and colored walls ever seen in any part of this
+old earth."</p>
+
+<p>"When that afternoon sun shines on the red
+rocks it makes them look almost like blood," declared
+Bob. "And already I'm glad we came.
+I think just now I could be happy spending months
+prowling around here, finding new pictures every
+day."</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg&nbsp;107]</a></span>
+
+<p>"Then you don't blame old Uncle Felix for
+staying, do you?" laughed Frank.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure I don't," returned the other lad, with
+vehemence. "And besides, you must remember
+that he had another string to his bow."</p>
+
+<p>"Meaning his craze to be the fortunate man
+of science to unravel the mystery that has always
+hung over the homes of those cliff dwellers?"
+Frank went on.</p>
+
+<p>"I can understand how it must appeal to a
+man living as Professor Felix has all these years,"
+mused Bob. "And think of those queer old fellows
+picking out this one place of all the wide
+country to build their homes."</p>
+
+<p>"That was because there could be no place
+that offered them a tenth of the advantages this
+did," Frank remarked, pointing across the wide
+chasm to the towering heights that could be seen.
+"Think of hundreds of miles of such cliffs to
+choose from! And as the softer rock was washed
+out by the action of floods countless ages ago,
+leaving the harder in the shape of astonishing
+shelves and buttes, these people took a lesson
+from nature, and carved their roomy homes by
+following the pliable stone."</p>
+
+<p>"Say," Bob exclaimed, "that makes me think
+of what I read about the catacombs of Rome;
+how, for hundreds of miles, they run in every
+direction, following the course of veins of earth<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg&nbsp;108]</a></span>
+in the rock, that were selected by those who dug
+'em."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course," said Frank, "these people built
+their homes up in the cliffs in order to be safe.
+Nobody seems to know what they were afraid of,
+whether savage tribes, or great beasts that may
+have roamed this part of the country a thousand
+and more years ago."</p>
+
+<p>"And that's the bait that has drawn the old
+scientist here, to study it all out, and write up the
+history of the people who looked on this very
+picture so many hundreds of years back. Why,
+Frank, some of the cliffs they say are about a
+mile high! That's hard to believe, for a fact."</p>
+
+<p>"But it's been proved true," the other asserted.
+"The trouble is, that everything here is
+on such an awful big scale that a fellow fools
+himself. Actual measurement is the only way to
+prove things. The eye goes back on you. Why,
+I've looked out on a clear day in Colorado, and
+believed I could walk to a mountain in an hour.
+They told me it's base was fifty miles away; and
+there you are."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we'll have to put off looking till morning,"
+said Bob, regretfully; "because the sun's
+dropped out of sight, and it's getting pretty thick
+down there in the hole. And to think that to-morrow
+we'll be pushing along through that place,
+with the walls shutting us in on both sides."</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg&nbsp;109]</a></span>
+
+<p>"Not only to-morrow, but for many days, perhaps,"
+Frank added; for more than ever did he
+begin to realize the enormous task that confronted
+them; it was almost like looking for a
+needle in a haystack; but if one possesses a
+powerful magnet, even then the bit of steel may
+be recovered in time.</p>
+
+<p>Did they happen to know of any such magnet?</p>
+
+<p>Almost unconsciously Frank's thoughts went
+out toward that old Moqui brave, Havasupai,
+who had fled from his village because of some
+act which he had committed; but who was now
+determined to return, and take his punishment
+with the stoicism Indians have always shown.</p>
+
+<p>The Moqui might be the connecting link! He
+alone knew where the hermit had his lodging, possibly
+in one of those quaint series of cliff dwellers'
+homes, which for some reason he called Echo
+Cave.</p>
+
+<p>"We must ask if our friend Sheriff Stanwix
+has been here," Bob suggested, as they went to
+their room to prepare for supper.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" replied his chum, "I did that when I
+spoke with the clerk at the desk. You were looking
+after the ponies at the time, so as to make
+sure they'd be well taken care of for a week, or a
+month if necessary."</p>
+
+<p>"And what did he tell you, Frank?"</p>
+
+<p>"They got here, all right," came the reply.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg&nbsp;110]</a></span>
+"If you'd looked sharp when you were out there
+in the hotel stables, you might have recognized
+both their mounts; for they left them here at
+noon to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"Noon!" echoed Bob; "then they made
+mighty good work of it, to get ahead of us all
+that time. I reckon you're going to tell me they've
+gone down into the canyon, and put in several
+hours looking for their birds, the two fellows
+who've given 'em the merry laugh more'n a few
+times."</p>
+
+<p>"Guessed right the first shot," Frank went on,
+"but all that doesn't concern us one half as much
+as some other information I struck."</p>
+
+<p>"And you've been keeping it back from me,
+while we stood there on the piazza, admiring the
+wonderful view," Bob remarked, with a touch
+of reproach in his voice.</p>
+
+<p>"There were people passing us, all the time,"
+his chum explained; "and besides, I wanted to
+keep it until we were alone, so we could talk it
+over."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it about that scheming cousin of your
+father's&mdash;what did you say his name was&mdash;Eugene
+Warringford?"</p>
+
+<p>"You got it straight enough," Frank admitted;
+"and what I learned, was about him. I saw his
+name on the register, and he's somewhere about
+the hotel right now. I had a suspicion that I saw<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg&nbsp;111]</a></span>
+some one trying to get near us while we stood
+there, drinking in that picture; and Bob, while I
+couldn't just hold up my hand and say for sure,
+I think it was that tricky Abajo."</p>
+
+<p>"The half-breed cowboy who left Circle Ranch
+because he had some news for this Eugene that
+the fellow would be apt to consider mighty
+valuable, because it meant a stake of a million or
+two dollars; is that right, Frank?"</p>
+
+<p>"The same Abajo," his chum continued;
+"which proves that those two are bound up in a
+plot to win this game. If Eugene can only find
+Uncle Felix he intends to get that paper in his
+possession, by fair means or foul."</p>
+
+<p>"Then it's up to us to put a stopper in his
+little bottle!" declared Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm wondering," Frank proceeded, "whether
+they've got any idea where to look for the man
+who has hidden himself away for three years.
+Perhaps they mean to keep tabs on us, and if we
+are lucky enough to discover Uncle Felix, they
+hope to jump in, and snatch away the prize before
+we can warn him."</p>
+
+<p>"Say, this is getting to be a pretty mix-up all
+around," laughed the Kentucky lad. "Here we
+are, meaning to try and follow the old Moqui; or
+failing that, wait for him to fetch us a message
+from the hermit of Echo Cave. Then Eugene,
+and his shadow, Abajo, are hanging around with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg&nbsp;112]</a></span>
+the idea of beating us at our game. Havasupai on
+his part will be heading for the cave that lies in
+an unknown part of the Grand Canyon, and all
+the while dodging about for fear that he is followed."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," added Frank, falling in with the idea;
+"and perhaps there are the Moquis from his village
+who may have had word somehow of his return,
+searching for Havasupai, and bent on bringing
+him to the bar of their tribal law. To finish
+the game, think of our friends, the two sheriffs,
+loose in the big gash, and hunting for the men
+who have snapped their fingers in their faces so
+often across the line!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, it sure looks like there might be some
+warm times coming," remarked Bob. "I suppose
+we take our guns along with us when we're going
+the rounds of the sights?"</p>
+
+<p>"Wouldn't think of doing anything else," was
+Frank's reply. "No telling when we might need
+'em. Suppose, now, those two rascals the sheriffs
+are after should learn in some way about the
+value of the paper Uncle Felix has with him,
+wouldn't they just make it the game of their lives
+to try and capture him? And I reckon Eugene,
+too, will be so dead in earnest that he won't stop
+at little things, backed up by such a reckless character
+as the Mexican. Yes, the repeating rifles
+go along, Bob!"</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg&nbsp;113]</a></span>
+
+<p>"This water feels fine after that long, dusty
+and tiresome ride, eh?" remarked the young
+Kentuckian, as he splashed in the deep basin, and
+then proceeded to use the towel vigorously.</p>
+
+<p>"It certainly does," Frank admitted, as he did
+likewise.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly afterward the two boys went down to
+supper. The hotel had its usual number of guests,
+this being a favorite point for parties to start on
+the tour.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't look just now," said Frank, as they
+sat at a table; "but Abajo has taken his seat right
+back of you. And it wasn't accident, either, that
+made him do it; I believe he has been set to watch
+us!"</p>
+
+<p>From time to time, as they ate, Frank would
+report as to what the half-breed was doing; and
+while nothing occurred to actually prove the fact,
+still he saw no reason to change his mind.</p>
+
+<p>"And I'm going to find out if he's keeping
+an eye on us, so as to report to his employer,
+Eugene Warringford," Frank announced, as they
+were drawing near the end of the meal.</p>
+
+<p>"That sounds good to me," Bob remarked;
+"but how will you do it?"</p>
+
+<p>For answer Frank drew out a paper from an
+inner pocket.</p>
+
+<p>"You see this document," he observed, with a
+solemn look. "Well, it's only what you might<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg&nbsp;114]</a></span>
+call a dummy, being just an invitation I received
+a little while back to invest in some worthless
+mines over in the Hualpai Mountains of Mohave
+County. I kept it, meaning to figure out how
+these sharpers work their game. Now, when I
+hand you this, look deeply interested, as though
+it might be connected with the finding of Uncle
+Felix."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I see your move, and go you one better,
+Frank."</p>
+
+<p>For some little time they seemed to be conversing
+intently. Frank would occasionally tap
+the document, which he had sealed up in its
+envelope, as though he laid great stress on it.
+Finally he placed it on the table alongside his
+plate, and kept on talking.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly afterward the boys left the table in
+apparently such a hurry that they both forgot the
+envelope that lay there, half hidden by a napkin.</p>
+
+<p>Passing out of the room, they dodged back,
+and peered around the corner of the doorway.</p>
+
+<p>"There's the waiter at the table," said Bob.
+"Now he's found the fine tip you left there, and
+is putting it in his pocket, with a grin. If everybody
+treated him as well as that, he'd soon be
+owning one of these hotels himself, Frank."</p>
+
+<p>"Watch!" remarked his chum, in a low
+whisper. "Now he's discovered the document
+lying there where I left it. He takes it up. Perhaps<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg&nbsp;115]</a></span>
+he sees another dollar coming to him when
+he runs after us to return it."</p>
+
+<p>"But there's somebody at his elbow," Bob
+went on to say; "and it's Abajo, as sure as you
+live. He's saying something, and I reckon telling
+the waiter that you asked him to get the
+packet. There, he slips some money in the fellow's
+hand; and the waiter lets him take the
+envelope. And we'd better slip behind this coat
+rack here, for Abajo will be heading this way in
+a hurry."</p>
+
+<p>And hardly had they carried out that programme
+ere the half-breed glided past, one hand
+held in the pocket where he had thrust the "valuable"
+document!<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Contents</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2 class="space"><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII</a></h2>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg&nbsp;116]</a></span>
+
+<h3>GOING DOWN THE CANYON TRAIL</h3>
+
+<br />
+
+<p>"Was I right?" asked Frank, after the half-breed
+had disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>"I should say yes," replied his chum, who had
+followed the vanishing figure of Abajo with
+staring eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"He got the precious paper, all right, eh?"
+Frank went on, chuckling.</p>
+
+<p>"He sure did, and bribed our friend the waiter
+to let him carry it off. Shows how you can trust
+anybody in the tourist country, where they are
+nearly all out for the money," Bob declared, indignation
+struggling hard with a sense of humor.</p>
+
+<p>"But just stop and think how easy Abajo,
+sharp rascal that he is, rose to my little bait?"
+laughed Frank. "Just as I expected, he was
+watching us all the time we examined that wonderful
+paper, and of course he believed it to be something
+for which his employer would reward him
+heavily, if he could only lay hands on it."</p>
+
+<p>Bob himself was laughing now, as the full sense
+of the ridiculous character of Frank's little joke
+broke upon him.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! my, think what will happen when Mr.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg&nbsp;117]</a></span>
+Warringford tears open that envelope, and sees
+how his spy has been fooled!" he exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>"There's only one bad thing about it, Bob!"</p>
+
+<p>"What is that?" inquired the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Eugene is, I take it, a clever fellow," said
+Frank, seriously; "and he'll understand that this
+was done with a purpose. It will make him suspect
+that we're onto the game, and that we know
+he has the half-breed watching our every move."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what of that, Frank?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, only after this we may expect they'll
+change their tactics more or less, and play on another
+string of the fiddle," the other saddle boy
+replied.</p>
+
+<p>"All right," Bob remarked. "Forewarned is
+forearmed, they say; and if we know Eugene is
+laying low for us, we can be on our guard."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that's all very good," Frank went on,
+shaking his head; "but once we get into the big
+canyon it may pay us to keep an eye out for overhanging
+rocks."</p>
+
+<p>"Say, you don't mean to tell me you think
+Eugene would go that far?" demanded Bob,
+startled at the very idea of such a thing.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't like to think he would; but you never
+can tell," Frank replied. "When a man like
+Eugene Warringford sells his soul, and with a
+chance of getting a big stake, he is generally ready
+to shut his eyes, and go the limit."</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg&nbsp;118]</a></span>
+
+<p>"But, Frank, that would be terrible! One of
+those rocks, coming down from the face of a high
+cliff, would seriously injure us!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure it would, and on that account we must
+keep on the watch all the time," Frank continued.
+"But I don't see Abajo anywhere about the
+piazza of the hotel; do you?"</p>
+
+<p>"He's gone, and I reckon to carry that wonderful
+find of his to the man who employs him," Bob
+remarked. "Wouldn't I give a dollar to be hiding
+close by when he runs across Eugene, and
+they open the envelope you sealed! Wow! it
+will be a regular circus! Can't you imagine that
+yellow face of the half-breed turning more like
+saffron then ever when he learns that we played
+him for a softy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, if you were near by, Bob, I wouldn't
+be surprised if you just had to stick your fingers
+in your ears," chuckled Frank.</p>
+
+<p>"I reckon they will have a heap to say about
+it; and Abajo, after this, won't take us for easy
+marks, will he?" Bob remarked, in a satisfied
+tone.</p>
+
+<p>A short time later they were in their room.</p>
+
+<p>"You don't suppose now, Frank, that we'll be
+bothered to-night?" Bob observed, as he stood
+there by the window looking out toward the
+Grand Canyon.</p>
+
+<p>At that the other laughed quite merrily.</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg&nbsp;119]</a></span>
+
+<p>"Don't give yourself any uneasiness about
+that, Bob," he remarked. "In the first place nobody
+would bother trying to get up here, even if
+they could, when so many better chances of reaching
+us will crop up after we start into the canyon
+to-morrow. Then again, we haven't anything to
+be stolen but our rifles, and what little cash we
+brought along for expenses."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I suppose I am silly thinking about it,"
+admitted Bob, "but some way that half-breed
+seems to be on my nerves. His face is so sly, and
+his black eyes just glitter as I've seen those of a
+snake do when he's going to strike. But, just as
+you say, it's foolish to borrow trouble, and I must
+get those notions out of my head."</p>
+
+<p>"That's the talk, Bob," his chum declared,
+heartily. "Morning will find us in fine trim to
+make a start into this big ditch. And before another
+night you'll be so filled with wonder over
+what you see that these other things will take a
+back seat."</p>
+
+<p>"But do you think we ever can find the hermit
+of Echo Cave?" asked Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"I think we've got a pretty good chance, if
+we're left alone," came the ready reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Meaning if this Eugene Warringford keeps
+his hands off; and nothing else turns up to balk
+us?" Bob asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, all of that, and more," Frank admitted.</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg&nbsp;120]</a></span>
+
+<p>"But already I find myself wishing we had
+somebody along with us, like Old Hank Coombs
+for instance, Frank."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, who knows what may happen?" said
+the other, a little mysteriously. "D'ye know,
+Bob, I saw my dad winking at Hank when he
+thought I wasn't looking; and on that account
+I've got half an idea he meant to send the old
+man, perhaps with a second cowboy, along on
+our trail. We may run across friends here when
+we least expect it."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope it turns out that way," declared the
+Kentucky boy; "because Hank is just what you
+might call a tower of strength when he's along.
+Remember how fortunate it was he turned up
+when he did, at the time we wanted to follow
+that plague of the cattle ranges, the wolf, Sallie?
+I reckon we'd have had a much harder time bagging
+our game if Hank hadn't been along."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, get to bed now," Frank counseled;
+"and let to-morrow look out for itself."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, I'll be with you in three shakes
+of a lamb's tail," declared Bob.</p>
+
+<p>But before he left the window Frank noticed
+that he thrust his head out, as if desirous of making
+sure that no one could climb up the face of
+the wall, and find entrance there while they slept.</p>
+
+<p>Bob was not a timid boy as a rule; in fact he
+was deemed rather bold; but just as he said, that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg&nbsp;121]</a></span>
+dark face of Abajo had impressed him unfavorably;
+and he felt that the young half-breed would
+be furious when he learned how neatly he had
+been sold.</p>
+
+<p>Nor did anything happen during that night as
+they slept upon the border of the Wonderland.
+Both lads enjoyed a peaceful sleep, and awoke
+feeling as "fresh as fish," as Bob quaintly expressed
+it.</p>
+
+<p>Breakfast not being ready they walked about,
+viewing the astonishing features of the canyon as
+seen from the bluff on which the hotel stood.
+Down in the tremendous gap mists were curling
+up like little clouds, to vanish as they reached
+the line where the sunlight fell. It was a sight
+that appalled Bob, who declared that he felt as
+though looking into the crater of some vast
+volcano.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," remarked Frank, "they did have
+volcanos around here, after this canyon was
+pretty well formed, though perhaps thousands of
+years ago. Great beds of lava have been found
+down in the bottom of the hole, so my little guide
+book tells me. But look away off there, Bob,
+and see that peak standing up like the rim of a
+cloud. Do you know what that is?"</p>
+
+<p>"I heard one man say," Bob replied, quickly,
+"Navajo Peak could be seen on a clear morning,
+and perhaps that's the one; but Frank, just think,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg&nbsp;122]</a></span>
+it's about a hundred and twenty miles off. Whew!
+they do things on a big scale around here; don't
+they? I'd call it the playground of giants."</p>
+
+<p>"And you'd about hit the bulls eye," his chum
+observed; "but there goes the call for breakfast."</p>
+
+<p>"I feel as if I could stow away enough for a
+crowd, this mountain air is so fresh and invigorating,"
+Bob remarked, as they headed for the
+dining room.</p>
+
+<p>Half an hour later they were once more in
+front of the hotel, and interviewing a guide who
+had been recommended by the manager as an experienced
+canyon man. It ended in their making
+terms with John Henry, as the fellow gave his
+name; though of course Frank was too wise to
+tell him what their real object was in exploring
+the tremendous gap. That could come later on.</p>
+
+<p>At about nine o'clock they started down the
+trail that led from Grand View into the depths
+of the fearful dip. And as they descended, following
+their guide, Bob found himself realizing
+the colossal size of everything connected with
+the rainbow-hued canyon walls.</p>
+
+<p>Nor was his mind made any easier when Frank
+took occasion, half an hour later, to bend toward
+him, and say in the most natural manner possible,
+though in low tones:</p>
+
+<p>"They're on the job again, Bob&mdash;Abajo and
+Eugene&mdash;because I happened to see them watching<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg&nbsp;123]</a></span>
+us start down the trail; and they had some one
+along with them, perhaps a guide; so we'll have
+to take it for granted that they mean to dog us all
+the time, hoping to steal our thunder, if we make
+any lucky find!"<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Contents</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2 class="space"><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV</a></h2>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg&nbsp;124]</a></span>
+
+<h3>THE HOME OF THE CLIFF DWELLERS</h3>
+
+<br />
+
+<p>Although Bob had anticipated such a thing,
+still the knowledge that it was actually coming to
+pass gave him a thrill. For some little time he
+did not say anything; but Frank could see him
+look uneasily up at the walls that now arose sheer
+above their heads some hundreds of feet.</p>
+
+<p>Frank had studied the situation as well as he
+could, both from a map of the canyon which he
+found in the little guide book, and his own observations.
+All the while he kept before him
+that admission on the part of the old Moqui
+whom they had befriended, to the effect that the
+Westering sun shone full in Echo Cave. So he
+expected to find the home of the hermit-scientist
+high up in the wall on the Eastern side of the
+Grand Canyon.</p>
+
+<p>First he intended heading toward the East,
+and going just as far as they could. Days, and
+perhaps weeks, might be spent in the search for
+the strange cave that had once been the home
+of those mysterious cliff people, which cavern Professor
+Oswald was occupying while studying the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg&nbsp;125]</a></span>
+lives and customs of the long departed people who
+had dug these dwellings out of the rock.</p>
+
+<p>At noon they had made good progress; but
+when the tremendous size of that two hundred
+mile canyon was taken into consideration, with its
+myriad of side "washes," and minor canyons, the
+distance that they had covered was, as Bob aptly
+declared, but a "flea-bite" compared with the
+whole.</p>
+
+<p>And Frank declared time and again it had been
+a lucky thought that caused his chum to suggest
+that they bring the field glasses along. They
+were in almost constant use. Far distant scenes
+were brought close, and high walls could be examined
+in a way that must have been impossible
+with the naked eye.</p>
+
+<p>Of course Frank was particularly anxious to
+scrutinize every colored wall that faced the West.
+The rainbow tints so plainly marked, tier above
+tier, called out expressions of deep admiration
+from the two lads; but all the while they were
+on the watch for something besides.</p>
+
+<p>When Frank ranged that powerful glass along
+the ragged face of a towering cliff he was looking
+eagerly for signs of openings such as marked the
+windows of the homes fashioned by the strange
+people of a past age.</p>
+
+<p>During the afternoon they actually discovered
+such small slits in the rock&mdash;at least they looked<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg&nbsp;126]</a></span>
+like pencil markings to them when the guide first
+pointed out the village of the ancient cliff dwellers;
+though on closer acquaintance they found
+that the openings were of generous size.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall we climb up that straggly path along the
+face of the wall, and see what the old things look
+like?" asked Bob, as the guide made motions upward.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, we ought to have our first sight of such
+places," Frank replied, in a cautious tone. "Not
+that I expect we're going to find our hermit there,
+or in any other village that's known to tourist
+travel. But we ought to get an idea of what
+these places are like, you see. Then we'll know
+better what to expect. And perhaps the conditions
+will teach us how to discover <i>his</i> hiding place."</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly they started to climb upward, just
+as many other tourists had been doing for years.
+There were even places, "aisles of safety," Bob
+called them, where one who was ascending, upon
+happening to meet a descending investigator,
+could squeeze into a hole in the rock until the
+other had slipped by.</p>
+
+<p>Of course it was a risky climb, and no lightheaded
+person could ever dream of taking it. But
+the two saddle boys were possessed of good nerves
+and able to look downward toward the bottom of
+the canyon, even when several hundred feet up in
+the air.</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg&nbsp;127]</a></span>
+
+<p>Then they entered the first hole. It seemed to
+be a fair-sized apartment, and was connected with
+a string of others, all running along the face of
+the cliff; so that those who occupied them in the
+long ago might have air and light.</p>
+
+<p>The boys observed everything with the ordinary
+curiosity expected of newcomers. Frank even investigated
+to see if there were any signs to indicate
+that those old dwellers in the canyon knew
+about the use of fire; and soon decided that it was
+so.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what do you think about this?" Bob
+asked, after they had roamed from one room to
+another. "For my part I think I'd fancy living
+in one of those three story adobe houses of
+the Hopi Indians, we saw pictures of at the hotel;
+or even a Navajo hogan. But one thing sure,
+these people never had to worry about leaking
+roofs."</p>
+
+<p>"No," added Frank, laughing; "and floods
+couldn't bother them, because the Colorado never
+rose three hundred feet since it began cutting out
+this canyon."</p>
+
+<p>"And think of the grand view they had before
+their doors, with the canyon in places as much as
+thirteen miles across, and mountains in their dooryard,
+looking like anthills," Bob went on impressively.</p>
+
+<p>"Makes a fellow feel mighty small; doesn't<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg&nbsp;128]</a></span>
+it?" Frank remarked, as he stepped to a window
+to look out again.</p>
+
+<p>"Makes me feel that I want to get down again
+to the trail," admitted Bob. "I'm wondering
+whether it's going to be much harder getting back
+than it was coming up."</p>
+
+<p>"That's always the case," Frank declared, "as
+I've found out myself when climbing up a steep
+cliff. But the guide is ready for you, Bob, if you
+show signs of getting dizzy. You have seen that
+he carries a rope along, just like the Swiss guides
+do."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! come, Frank! Go easy with me; can't
+you?" the other exclaimed. "I hope I'm not
+quite so bad as that."</p>
+
+<p>"All the same, Bob, don't take any chances;
+and if you feel the least bit giddy, let me know.
+This is a case where an ounce of prevention is
+better than a pound of cure. And a stout rope is
+a mighty good thing to feel when your foot slips."</p>
+
+<p>It turned out, however, that the Kentucky lad
+was as sure-footed as a mountain goat. He descended
+the trail, with its several ladders, placed
+there of course by modern investigators, without
+the least show of timidity.</p>
+
+<p>They continued along the bed of the wide canyon.
+At times they followed the ordinary trail.
+Then again Frank would express a desire to have
+a closer look at some high granite wall that hovered,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg&nbsp;129]</a></span>
+for possibly a thousand feet, above the very
+river itself; and this meant that they must negotiate
+a passage for themselves.</p>
+
+<p>No doubt John Henry, the guide, must have
+thought them the queerest pair of tourists he had
+ever led through the mysteries of the Grand Canyon.
+But as yet Frank had not thought fit to enlighten
+him. He was not altogether pleased with
+the appearance of the guide, and wished to wait
+until he knew a little more about his ways, before
+entrusting him with their secret.</p>
+
+<p>More than a few times during that day Frank
+believed he had positive evidence that they were
+being watched. Of course they met frequent
+parties of pilgrims wandering this way and that,
+as they drank in the tremendous glories of the
+canyon; but occasionally the boy believed he had
+seen a head thrust out from behind some rock in
+their rear, and then hastily withdrawn again as he
+looked.</p>
+
+<p>Of course he could make a guess as to who was
+taking such a interest in the progress of his chum
+and himself. No one, save Eugene Warringford,
+would bother for even a minute about what they
+were doing, since richer quarry by far than a
+couple of boys would catch the eye of any lawless
+desperado, like those the two sheriffs were following,
+bent on making a haul.</p>
+
+<p>"Frank," said Bob, when the afternoon was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg&nbsp;130]</a></span>
+drawing to a close, and they had begun to think of
+picking out the spot where they would spend the
+night; "tell me why you chose to head toward the
+East instead of the other way, where Bright Angel
+trail attracts so many tourists?"</p>
+
+<p>Frank cast one glance toward the guide, as
+if to make sure that John Henry was far enough
+in advance not to be able to catch what was said.</p>
+
+<p>"I had a reason, Bob," he remarked, seriously.
+"Before we got down into the canyon, so as to
+choose which way we would go, I talked with
+several men who were coming up. And Bob, I
+learned that an old Moqui Indian had been seen
+heading toward the East late last night!"</p>
+
+<p>"And you think it may have been our friend,
+Havasupai?" asked Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm pretty sure of it, from the descriptions
+they gave me," came the answer.</p>
+
+<p>"But Frank, think how impossible it seems
+that he could have reached here almost as soon
+as we did; unless the old warrior was able to
+fly I don't see how it could be done."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm just as much up a tree as you are, Bob,"
+laughed the other; "but, all the same, I believe
+the Moqui has arrived, and is on his way right
+now to where Echo Cave lies."</p>
+
+<p>"Then he must have an aeroplane to help him
+out, for I don't see how else he could make it,"
+Bob insisted.</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg&nbsp;131]</a></span>
+
+<p>"Think for a minute, and you'll see it isn't actually
+impossible," Frank continued. "He could
+have made Flagstaff that night, just as we did."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," admitted Bob, "that's a fact; for while
+he said he was tired, and wanted a mount to fly
+from his people, who were looking for him, still
+I understand that these Moquis are wonderful
+runners, and game to the last drop of the hat.
+Oh! I grant you that he could have made Flagstaff
+that night sometime."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Flagstaff is on the railroad, you
+know," Frank remarked.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure! I see now what you are hitting at,"
+Bob observed; "the old Indian must have had
+money, as all his kind have, what with the tips
+given by tourists day after day. He could
+have come to Grand View on the train. Frank,
+once more I knuckle down to your superior wisdom.
+That's what Havasupai must have done,
+sure pop!"</p>
+
+<p>"Anyhow," the other continued, "it pleases me
+to believe so; and that the Moqui is even now hurrying
+to make connections with the hermit in this
+mysterious Echo Cave. There's still another
+reason, though, why I picked out this course up
+the river, instead of going down. It is connected
+with the fact that the Moquis have their homes
+in this quarter."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" exclaimed Bob, "I catch on now to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg&nbsp;132]</a></span>
+what you mean. The chances are that the Moqui
+would be prowling around within fifty miles of his
+own shack when he ran across the man-with-the-shining-spot-in-his-head,
+otherwise the bald Professor
+Oswald."</p>
+
+<p>"That's the point, Bob."</p>
+
+<p>"It sure beats everything how you can get on
+to these things, Frank. Here I'm going to be a
+lawyer some day, so they tell me; and yet I don't
+seem to grab the fine points of this game of hide-and-seek
+as you do."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! well," Frank remarked, consolingly; "a
+lawyer isn't supposed to know much about trails,
+and all such things. That comes to a fellow who
+has spent years outdoors, studying things around
+him, and keeping his wits on edge all the while."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope to keep on learning more and more
+right along," said Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"Here comes John Henry back, to tell us he
+has found a good place for camping to-night; so
+no more at present, Bob."</p>
+
+<p>It proved just as Frank had said. The guide
+declared that as the sun was low down, the canyon
+would soon be darkening; and they ought to make
+a halt while the chance was still good to see what
+lay around them.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly they made a camp, and not a great
+distance away from the border of the swirling
+river that rolled on to pass through all the balance<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg&nbsp;133]</a></span>
+of that wonderful gulch, the greatest in the known
+world.</p>
+
+<p>They had come prepared for this, carrying quite
+a number of things along that would prove welcome
+at supper time. A cheery fire was soon blazing,
+and the guide busied himself in preparations
+for a meal; while the two boys wandered down to
+the edge of the river, to throw a few rocks into
+the current, and talk undisturbed.</p>
+
+<p>"There are several other camps not far away,"
+remarked Frank. "I could see the smoke rising
+in two places further on."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," added Bob, "and there's one behind
+us too, for I saw smoke rising soon after we
+halted. Perhaps that may be Eugene's stopping
+place; eh, Frank?"</p>
+
+<p>"I wouldn't be surprised one little bit. Just
+look at the river, how silently it pushes along
+right here. It's deep too; and yet below a mile
+or so it frets and foams among the boulders that
+have dropped into its great bed from the high
+cliffs."</p>
+
+<p>"And they do say some bold explorers have
+gone all the way through the canyon in a boat; but
+I reckon it must be a terrible trip," Bob ventured
+to say.</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse us from trying to make it," laughed
+Frank; "by the time we'd reach Mohave City,
+where that bottle was picked up, there wouldn't<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg&nbsp;134]</a></span>
+be much left of us. But let's go back to camp
+now. John Henry must have grub ready."</p>
+
+<p>Three minutes later he suddenly caught Bob's
+sleeve.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait up!" he whispered. "There's somebody
+talking to our guide right now; and say, Bob,
+don't you recognize the fellow?"</p>
+
+<p>"If I didn't think it was silly I'd say it was old
+Spanish Joe, the cowboy we had so much trouble
+with on Thunder Mountain," Bob declared,
+crouching down.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, think again," said Frank; "and you'll
+remember that Abajo is his nephew!"<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Contents</a></span></p>
+<br />
+
+<a name="guide" id="guide"></a>
+<p class="center"><a name="image-2" id="image-2"><!-- Image 2 --></a>
+<img src="images/illus-140s.jpg" class="jpg" height="524" width="366" alt="THERE'S SOMEBODY TALKING
+TO OUR GUIDE RIGHT NOW" title="There's Sombody Talking to Our Guide Right Now" /></p>
+<p class="image"><a name="now" id="now" href="images/illus-140x.jpg" class="image">
+View larger image</a></p>
+
+<p class="center">"THERE'S SOMEBODY TALKING TO OUR GUIDE RIGHT NOW."<br />
+<i>Saddle Boys in the Grand Canyon</i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#Page_134"><i>Page 134</i></a></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2 class="space"><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV</a></h2>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg&nbsp;135]</a></span>
+
+<h3>THE TREACHEROUS GUIDE</h3>
+
+<br />
+
+<p>"Why, of course he is," declared Bob; "and
+it looks as if our old enemies had cropped up
+again, to join forces with the new ones. That
+will make three against us; won't it, Frank?"</p>
+
+<p>"The more the merrier," replied the other, but
+Bob could see that he was inwardly worried over
+the new phase of the situation.</p>
+
+<p>"Look at the way Spanish Joe is arguing with
+John Henry!" said Bob. "The guide keeps
+pointing this way, as if he might be afraid we'd
+come back, and see him talking with Old Joe.
+Now they shake hands, Frank. Do you think any
+bargain has been struck between them?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'm afraid it has," replied his comrade, gritting
+his teeth with displeasure. "John Henry
+has sold us out, and gone over to the enemy for
+cash. I saw him hide something in his pocket."</p>
+
+<p>"Then what will we do about him?" asked
+Bob, clenching his fist, as if it might give him considerable
+pleasure to take the treacherous guide
+personally in hand, and teach him the needed lesson.</p>
+
+<p>"That's easy," chuckled Frank. "We'll keep
+on guard to-night, and when he sees how we hang<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg&nbsp;136]</a></span>
+to our guns he won't try any tricks, you may be
+sure."</p>
+
+<p>"And in the morning?" Bob went on.</p>
+
+<p>"Why," declared Frank, firmly; "there's only
+one thing to be done&mdash;we must fire John Henry,
+even if we have to pay him the whole sum agreed
+on for the week."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm glad to hear you say that, Frank; because
+I'd hate to have him along. Why, he might take
+a notion to step on my fingers when I was climbing
+up after him, and claim it was only an accident,
+but if I had a broken leg, or a cracked skull,
+that wouldn't do me any good, I take it."</p>
+
+<p>"There, Joe is moving off, and we can head
+for camp," Frank remarked, as they still hovered
+behind the spur of rocks that had concealed them,
+though allowing a view of the little camp.</p>
+
+<p>"But you don't want to tell John Henry that
+we saw him making a bargain with Spanish Joe, I
+take it?" Bob questioned.</p>
+
+<p>"That's right, we don't; and try to keep from
+looking as if you suspected him. Now his back
+is turned, come along," and Frank, rising, led
+the way.</p>
+
+<p>The preparations for supper went on apace.
+The guide was unusually talkative, Bob thought,
+and he wondered whether it was not the result of
+a disturbed conscience. Perhaps John Henry
+might not be wholly bad, and was worried over<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg&nbsp;137]</a></span>
+having entered into an arrangement to betray his
+generous young employers.</p>
+
+<p>"What are we going to do for a guide when
+we let him go?" asked Bob, later on, after they
+had eaten supper, and John Henry had wandered
+down to the river for a dip, as he said.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll have to trust to luck to pick up another,"
+Frank declared. "And if it comes to the
+worst, we can go it alone, I reckon. I've never
+been up against such a big job as this, but I think
+I'd tackle it, if I had to. But wait and see what
+another day brings out."</p>
+
+<p>When it came time for them to retire they began
+talking about their ranch habit of standing
+guard. The guide laughed at the idea of any
+harm coming to pass while they were there in the
+canyon.</p>
+
+<p>"Lots of other tourists are camping inside of
+three mile from here," he said; "and I heard the
+sheriff of the county himself is somewhere down
+in the canyon; so it don't look as how there could
+anything happen. But just as you says, boys; if
+it makes you feel better to stand guard, I ain't
+got a thing agin it."</p>
+
+<p>The night passed without any sort of attack.
+Either Frank or Bob sat up all the time, with a
+trusty rifle ready; but there was no occasion to
+make use of the weapon.</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg&nbsp;138]</a></span>
+
+<p>With the coming of morning they made
+ready to eat a hasty breakfast. After this was
+over Frank found himself compelled to discharge
+the guide.</p>
+
+<p>"We've concluded to do without your services,
+John Henry," he said, as the man stood ready to
+start forth on the way along the canyon, heading
+East.</p>
+
+<p>"Me? Let me go? What for?" stammered
+the fellow; turning red and then white as a consciousness
+of his guilt broke upon him.</p>
+
+<p>"Here's what we promised to pay you for the
+week," continued Frank. "We want no hard
+feelings about it. Never mind why we let you go.
+You can think what you like. But next time you
+hire out to a party, John Henry, be careful how
+you let anybody hand you over a few dollars to
+make you turn against your friends."</p>
+
+<p>The man tried to speak, and his voice failed
+him. They left him standing there, holding the
+bills Frank had thrust into his hand, and looking
+"too cheap for anything," as Bob said. Perhaps
+he feared that the boys might tell what they knew
+about him, and in this way destroy his usefulness
+as a canyon guide ever afterwards.</p>
+
+<p>"Good riddance to bad rubbish!" declared
+Bob, after they had gone on half a mile, and on
+looking back saw John Henry still standing there
+as if hardly knowing whether to be sorry, or glad<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg&nbsp;139]</a></span>
+over having received full pay for a week after
+only working a single day.</p>
+
+<p>"And here we are cut loose from everybody,
+and going it on our own hook," laughed Frank.
+"But it would be foolish for us to think of doing
+without a guide if so be we can find one. We'll
+ask every party we meet, and perhaps in that way
+we can strike the right man."</p>
+
+<p>During the morning they came upon several
+parties making the rounds of the Wonderland
+along the beaten channels. Sometimes women
+were in the company, for the strange sights that
+awaited the bold spirit capable of enduring ordinary
+fatigue tempted others besides men to undertake
+one of the trips.</p>
+
+<p>Just at noon the two boys came upon a lone
+Chinaman sitting at a little fire he had kindled,
+cooking a fish, evidently pulled from the river by
+means of a hook and line.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what do you think!" exclaimed Frank,
+as he stared at the Oriental; "Bob, don't you recognize
+that cousin of our ranch cook, Ah Sin, the
+same fellow who was down at our place five
+months ago? Hello! Charley Moi, what are
+you doing in the big canyon, tell me?"</p>
+
+<p>The Chinaman jumped up, and manifested more
+or less joy at the sight of Frank. He insisted on
+shaking hands with both the boys.</p>
+
+<p>"How do? Glad see Flank, Blob! Me, I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg&nbsp;140]</a></span>
+cook for plarties in Gland Canyon. Hear of
+chance gettee job up Gland View Hotel. Go
+there now. Alle samee like see boys from Circle
+Lanch. How Ah Sin? Him berry veil last time
+hear samee."</p>
+
+<p>Frank had an idea.</p>
+
+<p>"See here, Charley Moi," he said; "you say
+you've been about the big canyon a long time now,
+serving as a cook to parties who go up and down.
+Perhaps we might engage you to stay with us!"</p>
+
+<p>"Me cook velly fine much all timee. You tly
+Charley Moi, you never say solly do samee!" declared
+the Oriental, his moon-like face illuminated
+with a childlike and bland smile.</p>
+
+<p>"But we want you for a guide too, Charley;
+you ought to know a heap about the place by this
+time," Frank went on.</p>
+
+<p>"Alle light, me do," replied the other, glibly.
+"No matter, cookee or guide, alle samee. Lucky
+we meet. Tly flish. Just ketchee from water.
+Cook to turnee. Plentee for all. Then go like
+Flank, Blob say. Sabe?"</p>
+
+<p>As it was nearly noon the boys were quite satisfied
+to make a little halt, and taste the fresh fish
+which the Chinaman had succeeded in coaxing
+from the rushing waters of the nearby Colorado.</p>
+
+<p>Later on they once again made a start.
+Charley Moi did everything in his power to prove
+his fidelity and faithfulness. He seemed proud<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg&nbsp;141]</a></span>
+of the fact that the son of the big owner of Circle
+Ranch, where his cousin worked as cook for the
+mess, trusted him, and had employed him as a
+guide. Never before in the history of the Grand
+Canyon had a Chinaman held such an exalted
+office; and Charley believed he had cause to feel
+proud.</p>
+
+<p>"Can we trust him?" Bob asked, as evening
+came on again. "I've always heard that Chinamen
+are treacherous fellows."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you've heard what isn't true," Frank
+replied. "A Chinaman never breaks his word.
+Over in the Far East I've read that all the merchants
+of British cities are Chinese. The Japs
+are a different kind of people. Yes, we can trust
+Charley Moi. He would never betray us to our
+enemies."</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless, that night the boys also slept on
+their arms, so to speak. One of them remained
+on guard at different times, the entire night.
+Frank had learned caution on the range. He did
+not mean to be taken by surprise; though he really
+believed that nothing would be done to injure
+them until after they had found some trace of the
+hidden hermit of Echo Cave.</p>
+
+<p>Before another twelve hours had passed he had
+occasion to change his opinion. The night did
+not bring any alarm in its train. Charley Moi
+was up several times, shuffling around, looking at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg&nbsp;142]</a></span>
+the fire, and sitting there smoking his little pipe,
+as though in satisfaction over having struck such
+a profitable job so easily; but he gave no sign of
+holding any intercourse with outsiders.</p>
+
+<p>With the coming of morning they were once
+more on the way. Frank noticed with considerable
+satisfaction that now they seemed to be beyond
+the ordinary limit of the various trails taken
+by the regular tourist parties.</p>
+
+<p>They were walking along, about the middle of
+the morning, when they found themselves in a
+lonely region, where the dim trail led along the
+foot of rugged walls stretching up, red and apparently
+unscalable, to the height of hundreds of
+feet.</p>
+
+<p>Frank was craning his neck as he looked up
+overhead, wondering if it could be possible that
+there was any sign of an abandoned cliff dwellers'
+village there, when he saw something move, and
+at the same instant he jumped forward to pull his
+chum violently back.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Contents</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2 class="space"><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI</a></h2>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg&nbsp;143]</a></span>
+
+<h3>A WONDERFUL DISCOVERY</h3>
+
+<br />
+
+<p>Bob opened his mouth to call out, and ask what
+was the matter, that his chum had seized upon
+him so fiercely. But he held his breath, for something
+came to pass just then that made words entirely
+unnecessary.</p>
+
+<p>A huge rock seemed to slip from its notch up
+on the side of the cliff, and come crashing down,
+loosening others on the way, until finally the rush
+and roar almost partook of the nature of a small
+avalanche.</p>
+
+<p>Charley Moi had skipped out in a lively manner,
+and thus managed to avoid being caught.
+Bob stared at the pile of broken rock, about
+which hung a little cloud of dust.</p>
+
+<p>"Wow! that was as close a call as I ever hope
+to have, Frank!" he exclaimed, with a little
+quiver to his voice.</p>
+
+<p>Frank himself was a bit white, and his hand
+trembled as he laid it on that of his chum.</p>
+
+<p>"I just happened to be looking up, and saw it
+trembling on the break," he said. "Only for
+that we might have been underneath all that
+stuff."</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg&nbsp;144]</a></span>
+
+<p>"But did you notice the clever way Charley
+Moi avoided the deluge?" said Bob, trying to
+smile, though he found it hard work.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it's hard to catch a Chinaman napping,
+they say," Frank went on. "Three times this
+very day I've heard the thunder of falling rocks,
+and that was what kept me nervous; so I watched
+out above. And, Bob, it seemed as though I
+must have seen that big rock just trembling as it
+started to leave the face of the cliff."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, all I can say then, is, that you jumped
+to the occasion mighty well. Some fellows would
+have been scared just stiff, and couldn't have
+thrown out a hand to save a chum. But look
+here, Frank, you don't imagine that thing was
+done on purpose, do you?"</p>
+
+<p>Frank looked at his companion, with a
+wrinkle on his forehead.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want to think anybody could be so
+mean and low as to want to hurt boys who'd
+never done them any harm," he said; "but all
+the same I seem to have an idea that I got a
+glimpse of a man's arm when that rock started to
+drop."</p>
+
+<p>"Whew! you give me a cold chill, Frank,"
+muttered Bob, gazing helplessly upward toward
+the spot from which the descending rock had
+started on its riotous tumble.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and I hope I was mistaken," Frank went<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg&nbsp;145]</a></span>
+on. "I don't see anything up there now; and
+perhaps it was only a delusion. All these bright
+colors affect the eyes, you see. Then, again, it
+might have been some goat jumping, that started
+that rock on its downward plunge."</p>
+
+<p>"But you didn't see any goat, Frank, did
+you?" Bob asked, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I didn't," admitted the other; "but then
+there may be a shelf up there, and any animal on
+it would be hidden from the eyes of those right
+below."</p>
+
+<p>They passed on; but more than once Bob
+craned his neck in the endeavor to look up to that
+spot, from whence the loose rock had plunged.
+He could not get it out of his head that foes were
+hovering about, who thought so little of human
+life that they would conspire to accomplish a
+death if possible.</p>
+
+<p>The day passed without any further peril confronting
+them. Charley Moi seemed to fill the
+bill as a guide, very well. He also knew the
+different points of interest, and chattered away
+like a magpie or a monkey as they kept pushing
+on.</p>
+
+<p>Bob became curious to know just how the
+Chinaman could tell about so many things when
+they were now above the trails used ordinarily
+by tourists, who gave two or three days to seeing
+the Grand Canyon, and then rushed away, thinking<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg&nbsp;146]</a></span>
+they had exhausted its wonders, when in fact
+they had barely seen them.</p>
+
+<p>He put the question to Charley Moi, and when
+the smiling-faced Chinaman replied, Frank
+caught his breath.</p>
+
+<p>"That easy, bloss," said Charley, nodding.
+"Happen this way. Long time black me 'gage
+with sahib, like one know out in Canton. Think
+have samee big joss some bit up here in canlon.
+Me to bling grub to certain place evly two month.
+Him give me list what buy, and put cash in hand.
+Know can trust Chinaman ebery time. Many
+time now me do this; so know how make trail up-river,
+much far past same tourist use. Sabe,
+Flank, Blob?"</p>
+
+<p>The two boys stared at each other, unable to
+say a word at first. It was as if the same tremendous
+thought had come to each.</p>
+
+<p>"Gee whiz! did you get on to that, Frank?"
+finally ejaculated Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"I sure did," replied his chum, allowing his
+pent-up breath full play.</p>
+
+<p>"Charley says he engaged himself to a gentleman
+long ago; perhaps it was as much as three
+years back, the time that the professor disappeared
+from the haunts of men. And, Frank,
+his part of the contract was to come to a certain
+point away up here in the Grand Canyon, once
+every two months, at a time agreed on, bringing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg&nbsp;147]</a></span>
+a load of food, as per the list given him by this
+mysterious party."</p>
+
+<p>"It must be Professor Oswald!" exclaimed
+Frank. "I've been wondering all the time how
+under the sun he could have supplied himself with
+food these long months if he'd cut loose from the
+world, as he said in that note he had. Now the
+puzzle begins to show an answer. Charley Moi
+is the missing link. He has kept the professor
+in grub all the time. Did you ever hear of such
+luck? First we run across that old Moqui, who
+has been in touch with the man we want to find;
+and now here's the one who comes up here every
+little while to deliver his goods, and get a new
+list, as well as money to pay for the same. It's
+just the limit, that's what!"</p>
+
+<p>He turned to the Chinaman, and continued:</p>
+
+<p>"Did you happen to notice, Charley, whether
+this party you are working for is a bald-headed
+man? Has he a shining top when he takes his
+hat off; and does he bend over, as if he might be
+hunting for diamonds all the time?"</p>
+
+<p>The Chinese guide smirked, and bobbed his
+head in the affirmative.</p>
+
+<p>"That him, velly much, just same say. Shiny
+head, and blob this away alle time," with which
+he walked slowly forward, bending over as
+though trying to discover a rich vein of gold in
+the seamed rock under his feet.</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg&nbsp;148]</a></span>
+
+<p>"Shake hands, Bob," said Frank. "We're
+getting hot on the trail. Now we needn't have
+any doubt at all about the choice of the eastern
+route. It's the right one; and somewhere further
+on we're just bound to find Echo Cave."</p>
+
+<p>"Then all we've got to fear, Frank, is the
+work of Eugene and his crowd. Let us keep
+clear of that bad lot, and we're going to succeed.
+Any time, now, we may glimpse our old Moqui,
+returning with a message from the professor, if
+he sees fit to reply to your appeal. He may,
+though, be so set and stubborn that nothing will
+move him from his game of hiding. Then we'll
+have to get that paper, with his signature, and
+save the mine for his family."</p>
+
+<p>"That's what I mean to do," replied the other,
+with grim determination. "If he's so wrapped
+up in his scheme that he just won't come out,
+we're going to do the best we can to save his
+fortune in spite of him. There's his daughter
+Janice to think of. Above all, we mustn't let
+that schemer, Eugene Warringford, get his
+fingers on the document."</p>
+
+<p>That night they made camp in a little cave that
+offered an asylum. The boys rather fancied the
+idea for a change. And they passed a very comfortable
+night without any alarm.</p>
+
+<p>Once, Bob being on duty near the mouth of the
+opening, heard a shuffling sound without. He<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg&nbsp;149]</a></span>
+could not make out whether it was caused by the
+passage of a human being, or a bear. Half believing
+that they were about to be attacked by
+some animal that fancied the cave as a den, he
+had drawn back the hammer of his rifle, and
+watched the round opening that was plainly seen
+at the time, as it was near morning, and the small
+remnant of a moon was shining without.</p>
+
+<p>But he waited in vain, and, as the minutes passed
+without any further alarm, Bob heaved a sigh of
+relief. It was all very well to think of shooting
+big game; but under such conditions he did not
+much fancy a close battle.</p>
+
+<p>When morning came, and he had told Frank
+about it, the other immediately went out to look
+for traces of the animal. As he came back Bob
+saw by the expression on his chum's face that
+Frank had made some sort of discovery.</p>
+
+<p>"How about it?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"It was no bear," replied the other, decidedly.</p>
+
+<p>"But sure I heard something moving, Frank,
+and I was wide-awake at the time, too," Bob protested.</p>
+
+<p>"I guess you were, all right," Frank admitted.
+"A man passed by, not far from the mouth
+of the cave. He even stooped down, and looked
+in, though careful not to let his head show
+against the bright background. Then he went
+off again up the canyon."</p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg&nbsp;150]</a></span>
+
+<p>"Since you know so much, Frank, perhaps you
+could give a guess as to who he was," said Bob,
+eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"No guess about it," came the reply. "I've
+examined his track before, and ought to know it
+like a book. It was Abajo, Bob!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then ten to one, Spanish Joe and Eugene
+were close by!" declared Bob. "Say, do you
+really believe he knew we were in here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course he did," Frank asserted. "Perhaps
+they saw us enter. But Abajo also knows
+that both of us are fair shots. He did not dare
+take the chance of trying to creep in. It would
+be more dangerous than our going into that wolf
+den."</p>
+
+<p>"The plot seems to be thickening, Frank. It
+won't be long now before something is bound to
+happen. If we could only run across the old
+Moqui now, and hear that he carried a message
+in answer to your note, that would clear the air
+a heap, wouldn't it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we must live in hopes," replied Frank,
+cheerfully. "And now, after a bite which
+Charley Moi is getting ready for us, we'll be off
+again, and tackle the roughest traveling in the
+whole canyon, so he says. But he knows the
+way, because he was led up here by the old professor,
+and told to come back every two months."<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Contents</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2 class="space"><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII</a></h2>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg&nbsp;151]</a></span>
+
+<h3>THE WINDOWS IN THE ROCKY WALLS</h3>
+
+<br />
+
+<p>"Well, here it's the fourth day we've been
+out, and nothing doing yet, Frank!"</p>
+
+<p>Bob spoke gloomily, as though the unsuccessful
+search was beginning to pall upon him a little.
+Boys' natures differ so much; and while the young
+Kentuckian had many fine qualities that his chum
+admired, still he was not so persistent as Frank.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could ever daunt the boy from Circle
+Ranch. Difficulties, he believed, were only
+thrown in his way to bring out the better parts
+of his nature. The more a fellow found himself
+"up against it," as Frank called meeting
+trouble half-way, the stronger became his character.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! well, now, Bob, I wouldn't say that,"
+he answered the complaint of his chum. "Just
+think what tremendous progress we've been making
+right along. And if the very worst comes,
+didn't Charley Moi say that it was only a week
+now before he must get another stock of things
+to eat, and won't he have to wait at the place of
+meeting, for the 'learned sahib' to appear, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg&nbsp;152]</a></span>
+take them from him, as he has done so often?
+Why, we can be in hiding nearby, and meet the
+professor, even against his will."</p>
+
+<p>"That's so," Bob admitted, the argument
+proving a clincher; "and I reckon I'm a silly
+clown to think anything else."</p>
+
+<p>"No, you're only tired, after a pretty tough
+day, that's all," Frank declared. "When you've
+had a rest you'll feel better. I'm more used to
+this sort of thing than you are, old fellow; but
+all the same we must admit that we're getting the
+greatest view ever of this old canyon."</p>
+
+<p>"That's so, Frank, and it's worth all the
+climbing and sliding, too. But every time we've
+discovered signs of any of those old deserted
+homes of the cliff dwellers, why, we find they've
+been visited time and again by curious folks hoping
+to discover some treasure, or keepsakes of
+the extinct people. No chance for the old professor
+to hide away there."</p>
+
+<p>"But pretty soon we're going to discover a
+new batch of those caves in the face of the rock,
+something unknown to all other searchers.
+We'll find it by the aid of this same glass; and because
+we're looking for it, high up. In all these
+other cases you see, Bob, there were shelves of
+rock above shelves; and new ladders have been
+made by the guides, so that anybody with nerve
+could climb up and up. Now these ladders give<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg&nbsp;153]</a></span>
+the thing away. And I've somehow got the
+notion in my head that in the case of the rock
+dwellings where the professor is hiding himself,
+there is no outward sign in the shape of ladders."</p>
+
+<p>"But in that case, Frank, how under the sun
+could the old fellows ever get up to their dens,
+which you said must be near the top of a high
+cliff?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that's something we're going to find
+out later on, you see," replied the other, serenely.
+"Perhaps they had some way of lowering themselves
+from the top by means of a rope, or a
+stout, wide grape vine. Then, again, there may
+be some cleft in the rock farther away, that no
+one would notice; but which was used as a trail,
+running up into the cliff, and to the rock houses."</p>
+
+<p>"It does take you to figure out these things,"
+declared Bob, in admiration, as they trudged
+along, with Charley Moi in advance.</p>
+
+<p>"Then we haven't yet got to the place where
+the Chinese buyer meets his employer with the
+eatables?" Bob remarked after a little silence.</p>
+
+<p>"The last time I asked him he kept saying it
+was only a little farther along," replied Frank.</p>
+
+<p>"There, look at him stopping right now; and
+Frank, he's grinning at us in a way that can only
+mean one thing. That must be where he always
+waits for the queer old gentleman to show up."</p>
+
+<p>"How about that, Charley; is this the place<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg&nbsp;154]</a></span>
+where you hang out?" asked Frank, as they hastened
+to join the guide.</p>
+
+<p>"Allee samee place," replied Charley Moi,
+waving his yellow hand around him. "Not
+know where shaib come fromee, always turn
+roundee rock," and he pointed to a large outlying
+mass that had, ages ago, become detached from
+the towering cliff overhead, and fallen in such a
+fashion as to partly obstruct the canyon trail.</p>
+
+<p>Frank looked around him eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"We must be getting warmer all the time,"
+he remarked; "and if you just take a look at
+that river right now, you'll see that up yonder the
+rock rises up almost from its very flood. When
+the water is high it must sweep along against the
+face of that big cliff. And Bob, something seems
+to tell me that somewhere inside of a mile or so,
+we're going to find what we're looking for."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I hope so!" echoed Bob, with a look of
+expectancy on his face; for he always put great
+reliance on the common sense of his chum; and
+when Frank said a thing in that steady tone, the
+Kentucky boy believed it must be so.</p>
+
+<p>Frank called a halt then and there.</p>
+
+<p>"We're tired, anyway," he said, "and might
+as well spend the night here. Besides, I just
+want to find a place were I can take a good look
+through the glass up at that cliff near the top.
+It faces the West, all right, you see; and the indications<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg&nbsp;155]</a></span>
+are that somewhere or other I'll find
+signs of the queer windows belonging to some of
+those cave houses."</p>
+
+<p>The camp was made, and Charley Moi busied
+himself with his fire. Bob had some things he
+wished to attend to; while Frank took the glass,
+and, settling down in a place where he believed
+he could get a fair view of the upper strata of
+colored rock, began carefully scrutinizing the
+cliff.</p>
+
+<p>"The time is right, because the old Indian said
+the Westering sun shone in the mouth of Echo
+Cave," Frank mused, as he pursued his work,
+not disappointed because failure came in the beginning.</p>
+
+<p>Frank had been at work possibly six or eight
+minutes when he gave utterance to a low exclamation.
+Then he fixed his field glasses upon a certain
+spot as though something had caught his attention
+there.</p>
+
+<p>"Bob!" he called out.</p>
+
+<p>"Want me?" asked his chum from the spot
+where the fire was burning.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, come here please," Frank continued.</p>
+
+<p>Bob quickly complied with the request. He
+knew that although his camp-mate spoke in such
+a quiet tone, he had evidently made a discovery.
+Frank could repress his feelings even in a moment
+of great excitement, which was something<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg&nbsp;156]</a></span>
+beyond the ability of the more impetuous Kentucky
+lad.</p>
+
+<p>"What have you found, Frank?" he asked, as
+he reached the side of the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Here, take the glass," said Frank. "Point
+it toward that little cone that seems to rise up
+like a chimney above the level of the cliff top.
+Got it now? Well, let your glass slowly drop
+straight down the face of the rock. Never mind
+the glint of the sun, and the fine rich color. I
+know it's just glorious, and all that; but we're
+after something more important now than pictures
+and color effects. What do you see, Bob?"</p>
+
+<p>"Honest now, I believe you've hit the bulls-eye
+this time, Frank."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you think they're windows, about after
+the same style as those holes in the rock where
+we climbed up the ladders to the deserted homes
+of the old time cliff dwellers?" asked the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure they are; no mistake about it, either," replied
+Bob, and then he gave a low exclamation.</p>
+
+<p>"What did you see?" demanded Frank, as if
+suspecting the truth.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know," came the reply; "but something
+seemed to move just inside one of those
+openings. It may have been a garment fluttering
+in the breeze that must be blowing so far up the
+heights; and then, again, perhaps some hawk, or
+other bird, has its nest there, and just flew past.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg&nbsp;157]</a></span>
+I couldn't say, Frank; but I saw <i>something</i>, and
+it moved!"</p>
+
+<p>Frank took the glass, and looked long and
+earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>"Whatever it was," he remarked, "it doesn't
+mean to repeat the act. But all the same, Bob,
+I've got a hunch we've found the place, and that
+Echo Cave lies far up yonder in that beetling
+cliff."</p>
+
+<p>"It's a fierce reach up there," remarked Bob,
+as he scanned the height. "How under the sun
+d'ye suppose that old professor could ever get up
+and down? Too far for him to have a rope ladder;
+and even if he had, how could he reach the
+place at first? Frank, all the way up, I can't
+see the first sign of any rock shelves, where ladders
+might have rested long ago."</p>
+
+<p>"That's so," replied the other, reflectively.
+"The face of the cliff is as even and smooth as a
+floor. Nobody would ever look to find a cluster
+of cliff dwellers' homes up there; that is, nobody
+but a man like Professor Oswald, who has made
+a life study of such things, and knows all the indications.
+But something tells me we're pretty
+near the end of our long trail. The only question
+now is, how can we get in touch with the
+hermit of Echo Cave?"</p>
+
+<p>As night settled down the two boys returned
+to the fire, still perplexed.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Contents</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2 class="space"><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII</a></h2>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg&nbsp;158]</a></span>
+
+<h3>FINDING A WAY UP</h3>
+
+<br />
+
+<p>That night they kept no fire going. Frank
+seemed to think it best that they remain quiet, so
+as not to announce their presence in the neighborhood.
+Though for that matter, it would seem
+that if any one were perched aloft in one of those
+slits in the face of the cliff, that represented the
+windows of the cave dwellings, the entire canyon
+below must be spread out like a book.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing happened to disturb them. Once
+Frank thought he heard a distant shout, and this
+excited his curiosity not a little. According to
+what Charley Moi said they were now in a
+neighborhood where ordinary tourists never
+visited.</p>
+
+<p>He thought of the two sheriffs and the lawless
+men they were pursuing. Could it be possible
+that they were destined to run across those
+desperate characters sooner or later?</p>
+
+<p>The thought was a disquieting one. It served
+to make Frank wakeful, and his restlessness was
+communicated to Bob, although the latter did not
+know what caused it.</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg&nbsp;159]</a></span>
+
+<p>But if the fugitives from justice were loitering
+around in that particular part of the Grand
+Canyon, either hiding from the determined
+sheriffs, or looking for rich quarry, neither they
+or anyone else disturbed the camp of the saddle
+boys.</p>
+
+<p>Again, in the morning, Charley Moi lighted a
+fire, and made ready to prepare a modest breakfast.
+As Bob had said, their supplies were running
+low, and unless something happened very
+soon the Chinaman would have to be dispatched
+to the nearest store to replenish the food.</p>
+
+<p>Still thinking of the sound he had heard during
+the night, and which he believed must have
+been a human voice, rather than the cry of some
+wild animal, Frank, while they sat cross-legged
+around the fire, eating the scanty meal, addressed
+himself to the Chinaman.</p>
+
+<p>"How many times have you come up this far,
+Charley Moi?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>The other commenced to figure on his fingers.
+Having no counting board, used so frequently by
+his countrymen in laundries, until they get accustomed
+to the habits of the white man, he took
+this means of tabulating.</p>
+
+<p>"Allee fingers and this much over," and he
+held up the first and second fingers of one hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Ten and two, making twelve in all," declared
+Bob. "Well, you have served the man-with-the-bald-head<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg&nbsp;160]</a></span>
+faithfully and long, Charley."</p>
+
+<p>"And in all these times I suppose you've never
+known anybody to be around here?" Frank went
+on.</p>
+
+<p>Charley shook his head in the negative.</p>
+
+<p>"White man, no. Sometime Moqui come
+'long, make for stlore down canlon get glub.
+See same two, thlee times. Charley Moi see old
+Moqui last night," the Chinaman replied.</p>
+
+<p>"What's that you say?" demanded Frank,
+hastily. "That you saw a Moqui last night,
+and after we had come to halt right here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Thatee so," grinned the other, as though
+pleased to feel that he was able to interest Frank
+so readily.</p>
+
+<p>"Just when did this happen, Charley Moi?"
+pursued the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Flank, Blob, down by river, make muchee
+look-look in glass," answered Charley.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, what d'ye think of that?" ejaculated
+Bob, in disgust. "While we were away from
+camp for ten minutes, something happened. Why
+couldn't it have come about when we were on
+deck? There's a fine chance lost to get track
+of Havasupai; for I reckon you believe the same
+as I do, Frank, and that the old Moqui whom
+Charley saw was <i>our</i> Indian?"</p>
+
+<p>"Seems like it, Bob," replied the other, "but
+don't cry yet. Perhaps it may not be too late to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg&nbsp;161]</a></span>
+remedy matters. See here, Charley Moi, could
+you show me just where you saw this Moqui
+last?"</p>
+
+<p>The yellow-skinned guide smirked, and nodded
+his head until his pigtail bobbed up and down like
+a bell rope.</p>
+
+<p>"Easy do," he observed, beginning to get upon
+his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Come along Bob," remarked Frank. "We'd
+all better be present. Three heads are better
+than one when it comes to a question of deciding
+what's to be done."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think you can track him, Frank?"
+questioned the Kentucky boy, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm going to try," was all Frank would say;
+for he was very modest with regard to his accomplishments
+as a son of the prairie.</p>
+
+<p>Charley Moi was as good as his word. He
+seemed to remember just where he had happened
+to spy the passing Indian when looking up from
+the making of the fire. The Moqui had paid
+no attention to him; indeed, at the time he was
+creeping past as though taking advantage of the
+absence of the two boys in order to make a
+circuit of the camp near the big cliff.</p>
+
+<p>"Find 'em Frank?" asked Bob, after he had
+seen his chum bending down over the ground for
+half a minute.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and they are the tracks of an Indian<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg&nbsp;162]</a></span>
+too, for they toe in," Frank replied. "Besides,
+they are made by moccasins instead of shoes or
+boots with heels. And if I needed any further
+proof to tell me our friend Havasupai made
+these tracks, and not a strange Moqui, I have
+it in the queer patch across the toe of his right
+moccasin, which I noticed when he was with us
+before."</p>
+
+<p>"That's just fine!" Bob exclaimed, filled with
+pride over the way in which his chum seemed
+able to fix the facts so that they could not be
+questioned. "And will you start after him right
+away, Frank?"</p>
+
+<p>"Watch me; that's all," came the reply, as
+Frank began to move away, still bending low in
+order to follow the faint traces of footprints on
+the rock and scanty soil.</p>
+
+<p>The others came close at his heels, Bob with
+a look of assurance on his face, because he felt
+positive that the game would now be tracked to
+its hiding place; and Charley Moi picturing his
+wonder on his moon-like countenance.</p>
+
+<p>So the prairie lad led them in and out among
+the rocks, and the scrub that grew close to the
+verge of the river. Several times he seemed a
+little in doubt, as the marks faded entirely away;
+but on such occasions his common-sense came to
+the rescue, and, after a look around, Frank was
+able to once more find the trail.</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg&nbsp;163]</a></span>
+
+<p>"Here's where it ends!"</p>
+
+<p>When Frank made this remark Bob could not
+keep from expressing his surprise.</p>
+
+<p>He gaped upward at the bare-faced wall that
+arose for hundreds of feet, without any particular
+ledge or outcropping where even a nimble Indian
+could find safe lodgment for his moccasined
+feet.</p>
+
+<p>"But, Frank, however could the old Moqui
+get up there to see Uncle Felix?" he asked.
+"D'ye suppose he made some sort of signal, and
+the hermit lowered a long rope with a noose at
+the end, which would draw him up? Wow! excuse
+me from ever trying to fly in that way! It
+would make me so dizzy I'd be sure to drop, and
+get smashed."</p>
+
+<p>"You're beating on the wrong track, Bob,"
+remarked the other. "No rope could be lowered
+all that distance; and even if it could no
+one man would be able to pull another all the
+way up."</p>
+
+<p>"But there must be some way of getting to
+the place where the slits in the face of the cliff
+tell of windows. However do you think he did
+it, Frank?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just because you don't happen to see a
+ladder, Bob, is no evidence there isn't a way to
+mount upward. One thing about this great cliff
+I guess you didn't happen to notice. That shows<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg&nbsp;164]</a></span>
+you pass things by. Look again, and you'll see
+that it seems to have been split by some volcanic
+smash, ages ago. There's a regular crevice running
+slantingly up the face of the rock. You see
+it now, don't you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure I do; and I was blind not to take notice
+of the same before," Bob replied. "Fact is, I
+did see that uneven mark, but just thought it was
+a fault in the make of the cliff, as a miner would
+say."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that crack extends four-fifths of the
+way up to the top; and far enough to reach the
+place where we noticed all those dark marks,
+which we believed must be windows of the many
+rooms or houses of the cliff dwellers. Get that,
+Bob?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure I do, Frank, and after your explanation
+I can see what you're aiming at. But where
+does that ragged crevice start from down here, do
+you think?"</p>
+
+<p>Frank stepped forward. Just as if he had it
+all figured out, he bent down, and with his hand
+drew aside the bushes that grew against the base
+of the cliff.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I declare, there it is for a fact!" exclaimed
+Bob, as he saw a rough opening before
+him, which came almost together five feet from
+the ground, leaving only a dark, uneven, slanting
+line that crawled up the face of the cliff like the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg&nbsp;165]</a></span>
+photograph of a zigzag bolt of lightning taken
+with a snapshot camera.</p>
+
+<p>"There you are," said Frank, with a broad
+smile. "Unless all signs fail, here's the entrance
+to the mysterious Echo Cave. We have been
+more than lucky to find it with so little trouble."</p>
+
+<p>"Just to think of it," remarked Bob, as he
+bent over to look up into the gap as well as he
+was able; "here's where the queer old Professor
+has been hiding for all this time, and no one any
+the wiser. But Frank, however in the wide world
+do you suppose he found out the way to get up
+there?"</p>
+
+<p>"We would have found it sooner or later,
+even if Charley Moi had not seen the old Indian
+moving along," replied Frank, with the confidence
+of one who knows what he is talking about.</p>
+
+<p>"Y&mdash;yes, I reckon we would, after you'd
+prowled around a little, and had some chance to
+look the ground over. Then you believe he must
+have found the presence of those windows looking
+out of the cliff just like we did; by using a
+powerful glass? And, thinking that here was the
+very place for him to hide and study, he set about
+looking for the road up, and found it, very
+likely."</p>
+
+<p>"He did it by using common sense, and applying
+all he knew about the ways of these people of
+the long ago," replied Frank. "And you can<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg&nbsp;166]</a></span>
+see that if he chose, he could have thrown that
+bottle out of one of the openings up there, so
+that it would drop in the passing current of the
+Colorado, to be carried down-stream until somebody
+saw it; and finding the message to my
+father, sent or carried it to Circle Ranch."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," observed Bob, with a gleam in his
+eye, "now that we've found a way to get up to
+Echo Cave, have we the nerve to start in?"<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Contents</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2 class="space"><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX</a></h2>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg&nbsp;167]</a></span>
+
+<h3>FORTUNE STILL FAVORS THE BRAVE</h3>
+
+<br />
+
+<p>Instead of replying at once to this question,
+as Bob undoubtedly thought his chum would do,
+Frank seemed to give a start. He dropped to his
+hands and knees, and seemed to be examining
+some marks on the ground.</p>
+
+<p>If ever the fair knowledge of reading tracks
+which Frank possessed was called upon to do
+duty, it was now. Bob, of course, could not understand
+what possessed his comrade; but simply
+stood there and stared, wondering what Frank
+had found to cause him to exhibit such breathless
+interest, and all the signs of unusual excitement.</p>
+
+<p>When finally the lad on his knees did look
+up, Bob saw a grave expression on his face.</p>
+
+<p>"There's something wrong, Frank; tell me
+what it is?" he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>"I've made an unpleasant discovery, Bob," replied
+the other. "Charley!" he added turning
+to the wondering Celestial, "go back to our
+camp, and bring our guns right away, both of
+them, see?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yep, bloss, me unelstand. Charley Moi<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg&nbsp;168]</a></span>
+gettee gluns light away quick!" and as he said
+this the obliging Chinaman went on a run, his
+pigtail and blue blouse flying out behind him.</p>
+
+<p>"Say, whatever does all this mystery mean,
+Frank?" asked Bob, almost helplessly.</p>
+
+<p>"Just what you might imagine; that there's
+danger hanging about us, Bob."</p>
+
+<p>The eyes of the astonished Bob sought the
+ground at the point where his chum had been so
+deeply interested.</p>
+
+<p>"Then it must be something you just discovered
+there, and that's a fact," he declared;
+"because you didn't act this way three minutes
+ago."</p>
+
+<p>"I happened to discover footprints coming
+from another quarter," Frank went on, calmly;
+"and they headed into this crevice, just as those
+of the moccasined Moqui did from that side.
+And they came after old Havasupai had gone
+up, for I found where they wiped out a part of
+one of his tracks."</p>
+
+<p>"Footprints, and were they made by the old
+professor, do you think?" asked Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"Not any. Fact is," observed Frank, as
+though deciding to have the worst over, "they
+were the tracks of three persons, all men!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! my! three, you said, Frank; and that
+would mean Eugene, Spanish Joe, and Abajo,
+wouldn't it?"</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg&nbsp;169]</a></span>
+
+<p>"Just the very ones I meant," replied Frank.</p>
+
+<p>"Then they must have been hiding some place
+near here, and saw the Moqui pass in?" suggested
+Bob, fully aroused by now.</p>
+
+<p>"That seems to be what happened," Frank
+observed. "But here comes Charley Moi with
+the guns. See how he dodges about, so as to
+keep hidden from the view of anybody up in
+those windows above, which we can't glimpse
+from here."</p>
+
+<p>When Bob eagerly took his repeating rifle
+from the hands of the Chinaman he exhibited all
+the evidence of great satisfaction; for he heaved
+a sigh of relief, and fondled his weapon in a way
+that caused his comrade to smile.</p>
+
+<p>"I feel better now," Bob confessed; "because,
+to tell the honest truth, when you broke the news
+so suddenly it nearly gave me heart failure,
+Frank, to think that if those rascals sprang out
+at us we would be next door to helpless. Now
+let 'em be careful how they play their little game.
+But what does it all mean, do you suppose,
+Frank?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can only make a guess, and that may be wide
+of the truth," the other admitted. "By some accident
+they managed to get on the track of the
+Moqui. Though Havasupai thought himself
+smart, he was no match for such a cunning rascal
+as Spanish Joe, who is said to be the best trailer<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg&nbsp;170]</a></span>
+along the Arizona border. And they followed
+him right here."</p>
+
+<p>"That was last evening, just when you and I
+stood there down by the river, looking through
+the glasses up at the windows of the rock houses
+above," remarked Bob.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Perhaps they didn't go up right then."
+Frank went on. "I admit that I can't just make
+out how long ago these tracks were made. A
+better trailer might, you see, Bob. If Old Hank
+Coombs were only here now I'd be glad to turn
+the whole business over to him, and play second
+fiddle."</p>
+
+<p>"But some time between dark and morning
+these three rascals went in here, and surprised
+the hermit of Echo Cave&mdash;is that it, Frank?"</p>
+
+<p>"It covers the case all right," came the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Say, do you think they are up there yet?"
+asked the Kentucky lad, in an anxious tone.</p>
+
+<p>"I think they must be, Bob, because all the
+tracks point one way, showing that the three
+men never came back. If they left the cave it
+must have been by some other way."</p>
+
+<p>"No use asking why they would want to get in
+touch with Uncle Felix!" continued Bob, as if
+bent on finding out everything he could in connection
+with the case.</p>
+
+<p>"We know what their reason was," Frank
+made answer. "When Abajo, hanging about the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg&nbsp;171]</a></span>
+window of our ranch house, heard what we had
+to say about the message that came floating down
+the Colorado in that bottle, and carried the
+wonderful news to his employer, Eugene Warringford,
+he set the game going that must end
+right here. He has come with the intention of
+making Professor Oswald turn over that option
+to him; and he'll do it unless something we can
+offer prevents."</p>
+
+<p>"But Frank, if the Moqui carried that note
+of yours to Uncle Felix, he would be on his guard,
+and absolutely refuse to sign away the papers?"</p>
+
+<p>"I hope he will, but I fear that those three
+scamps are up there right now, trying to coax or
+bulldoze him into signing," Frank said, with a
+tightening of his lips, and a flash of his clear
+eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Then we go up, and put a spoke in their
+wheel, do we?" asked Bob, looking as if he
+were ready to make the start instantly, if his
+comrade but gave the word.</p>
+
+<p>Frank glanced around him a little uncertainly.</p>
+
+<p>"I've got a good notion to try it," he muttered
+as if talking to himself.</p>
+
+<p>"What's that you say, Frank?" asked his
+companion, who had caught the words, and did
+not know what to make of them.</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't tell you, Bob," Frank remarked;
+"but during the night I thought I heard a voice<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg&nbsp;172]</a></span>
+calling far away yonder. And somehow it struck
+me at the time that there was a familiar cowboy
+yell about it."</p>
+
+<p>"Old Hank Coombs, perhaps, Frank?" suggested
+the other lad, quickly.</p>
+
+<p>"That was on my mind, Bob. You know history
+often repeats itself. Once before, just when
+we seemed to need Hank the worst way, he came
+riding along as if he had heard us call. And
+I was wondering whether he might not be somewhere
+around here right now."</p>
+
+<p>"That would be just prime, if only we could
+get in touch with him," Bob declared. "And,
+as your father wouldn't send Hank alone, there'd
+be one more cowboy along. That would make
+a party of four. Why, those three rascals would
+just shrivel, and throw up the sponge, if they saw
+us break in on 'em. But Frank, how about making
+the old range call?"</p>
+
+<p>"D'ye know, I was just thinking it might do
+to try it," remarked the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Then start in and give the whoop," Bob observed.
+"No harm done anyhow; even if they
+hear it up there. And while you're doing all
+that, I'll just drop on one knee here, and cover
+the crack in the wall. Suppose one of the lot
+should try and come out while we were off our
+guard. I'll make him surrender quicker than he
+can say 'Jack Robinson'!"</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg&nbsp;173]</a></span>
+
+<p>Presently there sounded upon the morning air
+the clear "cooee" of the range, particularly well
+known to every cowboy who had worked at
+Circle Ranch. Frank and Bob listened eagerly to
+learn whether there would come any response.
+If not, then they must take up the task of climbing
+that singular crevice by themselves; and finding
+out how affairs stood above.</p>
+
+<p>Their suspense was short-lived, for quickly
+there floated to their waiting ears a responsive
+call. Turning toward the quarter from whence
+it seemed to come they saw a hat waving.</p>
+
+<p>"It's Old Hank, sure it is!" exclaimed Bob,
+with a thrill of delight; for the burden of going
+up against three desperate characters was more
+than boy nature could stand without more or
+less uneasiness.</p>
+
+<p>"That's Chesty with him," announced Frank,
+as two figures were discovered coming toward
+them. "Why, if we'd made all the arrangements
+ourselves we couldn't have done better,
+Bob. Here comes our reinforcements just in the
+nick of time. And if Eugene and his backers are
+still up yonder in the cliff dwellers' homes,
+they have stayed a little while too long, that's
+all."</p>
+
+<p>In another three minutes the boys were shaking
+hands with Old Hank and Chesty; the latter
+with a cheerful grin on his face, as though he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg&nbsp;174]</a></span>
+considered it quite a joke to break in on Frank's
+game at the finishing point.</p>
+
+<p>Of course they were ignorant as to how
+matters stood. And Frank took upon himself
+the task of explaining all that had happened.</p>
+
+<p>"Ther up yonder yet, then," announced Hank,
+after he had carefully inspected the footprints,
+and noted that they all pointed one way; "that
+is to say, if they ain't got an airyplane along as
+would allow of them flying off. An' Frank,
+when ye sez the word we'uns are goin' t' walk up
+this rock ladder t' see what sorter place the ole
+perfessor keeps."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I say it now," declared Frank, anxious
+to have the thing settled one way or the other
+without further delay.</p>
+
+<p>"Foller arter me, all of ye!" called the old
+plainsman, as he plunged into the gap.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Contents</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2 class="space"><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX</a></h2>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg&nbsp;175]</a></span>
+
+<h3>ANOTHER SURPRISE</h3>
+
+<br />
+
+<p>"One thing, we won't need torches this time,
+Hank!" remarked Bob as he prepared to follow
+after the leader.</p>
+
+<p>"I reckons not, Bobby," chuckled the veteran
+cowman, who knew that something about the
+situation must have recalled their entering that
+cave that day where sly old Sallie and her half-grown
+whelps awaited their coming with bared
+teeth.</p>
+
+<p>Just back of Hank came Chesty, who was a
+very ambitious young fellow, and always to be
+counted on with regard to obtaining his proper
+share in every little excitement that happened.
+Then Frank filed along; and at his heels Bob
+climbed; while Charley Moi brought up the rear,
+bent on seeing all that might come to pass.</p>
+
+<p>The crevice immediately began to mount upward,
+just as Frank had anticipated it would.
+There were times when the climbing was pretty
+steep, and Frank began to wonder what sort of
+agile man this old and stubborn Professor<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg&nbsp;176]</a></span>
+Oswald could be, to overcome such difficulties so
+often, while in the pursuit of his hobby.</p>
+
+<p>Bob was soon panting, but no less bent on
+"keeping up with the procession," as he himself
+put it. They had been going back from the face
+of the cliff pretty much all the time, so that there
+was really no chance to take an observation, in
+order to tell just how far up they had come.</p>
+
+<p>Frank felt sure, however, after this labor had
+kept up for quite a long time, that they must now
+be getting near the top of the break, or where
+the crooked crack in the face of the rock ended.</p>
+
+<p>He tried to picture what they would find. If
+Eugene and his reckless backers had been in possession
+of the place for some hours now, they
+must have tried all sorts of expedients in order
+to compel the professor to reveal the secret hiding
+place of the valuable document, and make
+it over to them. Nor would such heartless men
+hesitate long about adopting torture in order
+to force a confession from the unwilling victim.</p>
+
+<p>Then Frank wondered if the three rascals
+would attempt any tactics looking to holding the
+attacking force at bay. They were well armed,
+no doubt, and having such a rich treasure hanging
+in the scales, it might be expected that they
+would hate to let it slip from their covetous
+grasp without putting up some sort of fight.</p>
+
+<p>But all that could be left to Old Hank. For<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg&nbsp;177]</a></span>
+many years he had been the leading figure in all
+the affairs that centered around Circle Ranch.
+Did the rustlers run off part of the herd, the
+veteran was put in charge of the pursuing force.
+Sometimes the sly marauders got off scot free;
+but more often they paid dearly for their audacity
+in picking out Colonel Haywood's ranch as the
+scene of their foray.</p>
+
+<p>Frank really had no fears as to the result, now
+that Hank had arrived on the scene to direct
+operations. The three schemers might give them
+some trouble, but they could not carry the day.</p>
+
+<p>"Please let a fellow rest up a little, Hank!"
+came from Bob, finally.</p>
+
+<p>The old cow puncher understood that the pace
+had been too warm for the tenderfoot; and he
+considerately halted. Perhaps none of the
+climbers were averse to a breathing spell before
+the final round. It would put them in better condition
+for the wind-up, whatever that might prove
+to be.</p>
+
+<p>"Frank," whispered Bob, as he pulled at the
+trouser leg of his chum so as to induce him to
+bend down closer.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the row?" asked the other, in somewhat
+the same guarded tone, as he managed to
+double over, and bring his face close to that of
+his friend.</p>
+
+<p>"Charley Moi has just told me something,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg&nbsp;178]</a></span>
+Bob went on. "You know we found out before
+now that he's got the greatest pair of ears ever
+for hearing things? Well, he says there's something
+or some one following us up this old
+crack!"</p>
+
+<p>"Whew! that's nice, now. A regular procession,
+it seems," remarked Frank.</p>
+
+<p>"Who d'ye think it can be; and would a bear
+or a mountain lion pick up our tracks this way?"
+continued Bob, who was trying to work his rifle
+around, so as to cover the rear.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait! Let's all listen, after I send the word
+along to Hank and Chesty," remarked Frank.</p>
+
+<p>When this had been done even the old cowman
+thought well enough of the idea to wait until they
+could find out the nature of the sounds that had
+reached the keen hearing of the wide-awake
+Chinaman.</p>
+
+<p>It was only half light in the break of the rock,
+and the passage they had been following thus far
+was so very crooked that no one could see more
+than twenty feet down the trail.</p>
+
+<p>Still every eye was fastened on that point
+where the advancing man or animal would first
+appear. Frank, too, had his rifle bearing on the
+spot; and taken as a whole the appearance of
+the little company, flattened out against the break
+in the mighty rock wall, was rather threatening.</p>
+
+<p>All of them could catch the sounds below now.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg&nbsp;179]</a></span>
+Whoever came up the rock ladder must be unused
+to negotiating such a stairway, for they
+rattled small bits of loose shale down at times;
+and Frank felt sure he could hear a panting
+sound, very much like that which tired Bob had
+been making a minute ago.</p>
+
+<p>And, as he listened, Frank made a discovery
+that caused him to tighten his grip on that reliable
+repeating rifle. There were two of the pursuers!
+And he anticipated that the leader must come in
+sight ere another dozen seconds passed!</p>
+
+<p>There was some sort of movement now, down
+in the region of the little twist where the steep
+stairway of the old cliff dwellers made a turn.
+Then a head and shoulders came into view.</p>
+
+<p>Frank chuckled aloud. Just in almost that last
+second of time he had suddenly guessed the
+truth, when, in this clinging figure that was staring
+upward, as though filled with genuine surprise,
+he recognized an old friend.</p>
+
+<p>It was Mr. Stanwix, the sheriff of the county!</p>
+
+<p>He and his mate from the adjoining division
+of Coconino must have just had a glimpse of
+Charley Moi disappearing in the dark hole at the
+base of the cliff; and, being in pursuit of two
+shrewd law breakers, who had been known to
+appear in other dress than that of cowmen, perhaps
+the officers had concluded that here was
+something that ought to be investigated.</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg&nbsp;180]</a></span>
+
+<p>Frank immediately made a friendly gesture
+with one hand. He did not want to risk the
+chances of being fired upon by the officers of
+the law, who might take the little party for bad
+men. Then he beckoned in a fashion that the
+sheriff must readily understand to mean caution,
+and silence.</p>
+
+<p>They saw Mr. Stanwix bend down as though
+he might be explaining to his fellow officer what
+an astonishing thing had happened. After that
+he came on, climbing the steep rock ladder as an
+exhausted person might. Yet his nature was like
+that of the bulldog; and once he had started to
+do a thing, nothing could make him stop.</p>
+
+<p>When he arrived at a point where he could
+make his way alongside Frank, squeezing past
+Charley Moi and Bob, the sheriff of Yavapai
+County turned an inquiring look upon his young
+friend.</p>
+
+<p>Whereupon Frank started in to tell him just
+who the other three in the party happened to be;
+and that they were bent upon foiling the lawless
+game of three rascals plotting for a big stake.</p>
+
+<p>In return Mr. Stanwix intimated that they had
+suspected something wrong when they saw from
+a little distance two persons, and one of them a
+Chinaman, disappearing in a cleft of the rocks.
+Further explanations must await a better opportunity,
+however. They were now too near the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg&nbsp;181]</a></span>
+series of chambers connecting with one another to
+hesitate longer.</p>
+
+<p>Besides, who could say what might not be going
+on up there a little further, in those holes in
+the wall where, ages ago, the singular people
+whom Professor Oswald loved to study about,
+had their homes, and lived on from year to
+year?</p>
+
+<p>Old Hank, when he once more started upward,
+seemed to have become much more cautious.
+Frank could easily guess the reason. There was
+a strong possibility that the three schemers might
+have learned of their presence in the vicinity ere
+now. And of course Eugene knew full well why
+Frank and Bob had come to the Grand Canyon
+from their ranch home.</p>
+
+<p>Suspecting that sooner or later the two boys
+might discover the way up to the cliff house,
+they would be apt to lay a trap of some sort,
+thinking to catch them napping when they ascended.</p>
+
+<p>Old Hank could not be taken unawares any
+easier than might the wary weasel that has never
+been seen asleep by mortal eyes.</p>
+
+<p>Frank, keeping well up by the heels of the
+little cowboy's boots, was ready to draw himself
+upward at the first sign of trouble. He knew
+when Hank had reached the top of the singular
+stairway fashioned by Nature for the benefit of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg&nbsp;182]</a></span>
+those who built their habitations near the top of
+the cliff, far beyond the reach of enemies in the
+valley below.</p>
+
+<p>A few seconds of suspense followed, while
+Chesty was following the veteran into the first
+hollowed-out apartment. Nothing followed
+where Frank had been expecting all manner of
+evil things.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps they're asleep," was the new thought
+that flashed through his brain. He did not know
+what manner of man Uncle Felix was.</p>
+
+<p>Now they were all gathered there in that outer
+chamber that might be called an ante-room of the
+various apartments running along the face of the
+cliff for some distance.</p>
+
+<p>Even Charley Moi was there, full of curiosity,
+and willing to lend a hand after a fashion. Bob
+looked around; just as his chum had done as soon
+as he entered. He saw that some one had certainly
+been there recently. There were plenty of
+evidences to that effect.</p>
+
+<p>Old Hank raised his hand with the forefinger
+elevated. It was recognized as a signal for absolute
+silence by all the others. Even Bob restrained
+his desire to ask questions; and every
+one listened, as if expecting to catch sounds.</p>
+
+<p>Was that a human voice?</p>
+
+<p>Frank started a trifle as the idea came to him.
+Still, it might only have been an additionally<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg&nbsp;183]</a></span>
+strong movement of the breeze; turning some
+angle that caused it to give forth a sound.</p>
+
+<p>He turned to see if any of the others had
+heard, and judged from the way old Hank had
+his head raised that he, too, had caught the sound;
+also that it appealed to him as full of significance.</p>
+
+<p>Again the veteran waved his hand. This time
+it meant not only caution, but an invitation to advance.
+Hank was about to pass into the next
+apartment, and wished the others to keep close at
+his heels.</p>
+
+<p>Bob was quivering all over with the fever of
+suspense, as well as pent-up eagerness. He did
+not know just how much longer he could hold in;
+for he wanted to yell. Still, he did not do it.
+Since coming to this wonderland country of the
+Southwest he had learned many lessons in the
+way of self control; and every day he was gaining
+more and more of a mastery over himself.</p>
+
+<p>Now Hank was in the second room, and still
+heading onward toward another hole in the wall,
+evidently the only means of communication between
+the various houses forming the little community.</p>
+
+<p>When he reached this, voices were plainly
+heard beyond. Hank kept right on, heading for
+yet a third doorway; and whoever was doing the
+talking, he or they must be in that further apartment;
+so that in another minute Frank expected
+to have his curiosity fully satisfied.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Contents</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2 class="space"><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI</a></h2>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg&nbsp;184]</a></span>
+
+<h3>THE LITTLE OLD MAN OF ECHO CAVE</h3>
+
+<br />
+
+<p>"You admit you have carried the document
+with you, and that it's only a question of refusing
+to produce it, Professor?"</p>
+
+<p>Frank recognized that drawling voice. He
+had heard his father's cousin, Eugene Warringford,
+speak many times, and generally in this
+slow way. But Frank also knew that back of his
+apparently careless manner there was more or
+less venom. Eugene could hate, and hide his feelings
+in a masterly manner. He could smile, and
+then strike behind the back of the one with whom
+he was dealing. And somehow his very drawling
+voice always made Frank quiver with instinctive
+dislike.</p>
+
+<p>"I admit nothing, sir," came another voice,
+quick and nervous, yet with a firmness that told
+of considerable spirit. "You come upon me in
+my retreat without an invitation, and at first
+claim to be a warm admirer of my work, which
+you seem to have studied fairly well. But now
+you are taking the mask off, sir; and I can
+recognize the wolf under the sheep's clothing."</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg&nbsp;185]</a></span>
+
+<p>Frank had heard that the old scientist, though
+a small man, was full of grit; and he could well
+believe it after hearing him speak.</p>
+
+<p>And Bob, who crouched close at the side of his
+chum, gave Frank a nudge as if to say: "What
+do you think of that for nerve; isn't he the limit,
+though?"</p>
+
+<p>Eugene laughed in his lazy way at being accused
+of evil intentions. Apparently he had
+about made up his mind that there was no use in
+longer beating about the bush. He had the old
+gentleman cooped up in this isolated place, where
+no assistance could possibly reach him. And
+backed up himself by a couple of reckless rascals,
+no doubt Eugene considered himself in a position
+to demand obedience.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, my dear old gentleman," he remarked,
+and by the sound Frank imagined the fellow must
+be lighting a fresh cigarette, for he seemed to
+puff between the words; "just as you say, what's
+the use of carrying the joke on any longer. Let's
+be brutally frank with each other from now on."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well," replied the other, quickly.
+"Here's the situation then, in a nutshell. You
+suddenly appear before me, with a couple of
+men you claim are guides, but whom I have every
+reason to believe are low minions who are simply
+in your pay."</p>
+
+<p>"Careful, Professor," Eugene broke in. "I'd<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg&nbsp;186]</a></span>
+advise you to go a bit slow. These men talk
+English, if they do look like Mexicans; and they
+may resent being called rascals."</p>
+
+<p>"Let that pass," continued the hermit of Echo
+Cave, as though waving the matter aside contemptuously.
+"At any rate, you come suddenly
+into my habitation here, where I have spent many
+happy months in solitude, wrapped up in my
+studies of the people of the cliffs, who spent their
+lives in this very place, and who have left many
+traces of their customs behind. My work is almost
+finished, and in another week I expected
+leaving here for civilization, with a masterly book
+on the subject that has mystified the world for a
+century."</p>
+
+<p>"Come to the point, Professor," broke in the
+man with the drawl; "and keep all this about
+your studies for those of your kind, who may
+appreciate them. We are concerned only about
+one thing; and that is a certain paper which
+you will presently take from its hiding-place, sign
+over to me, and then finish your labors here in
+peace. Understand that?"</p>
+
+<p>"By good luck I was forewarned," the sharp
+voice went on; "and hence I made sure not to
+carry that document on my person. You have
+taken the liberty of searching every inch of these
+cliff houses since you arrived here, but without
+success. And allow me to inform you, sir, that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg&nbsp;187]</a></span>
+you might hunt until the day of doom without the
+slightest chance of finding that paper. It will
+never be yours!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I am not worrying in the least, Professor,"
+Eugene remarked, coolly. "You will
+see a great light presently, I imagine."</p>
+
+<p>"I have already done so, sir," came the snappy
+reply. "I am awakening to the fact that too long
+have I been neglecting my daughter; and that
+since this investment of mine has turned out so
+happily, it must become her property."</p>
+
+<p>"Very nice and thoughtful of you, Professor,"
+sneered Eugene; "and while I dislike to spoil
+such delightful plans, I fear I must do so. It is
+my nature to persist in anything I undertake. And
+I have made up my mind to possess that document;
+or make you pay dearly for my disappointment."</p>
+
+<p>"Now you begin to descend to low threats,
+sir," cried the scientist, who did not seem to be
+a particle afraid; which proved the truth of the
+old saying that courage does not necessarily need
+a big tenement.</p>
+
+<p>"We have hunted high and low through this
+series of ratholes, and without any success," observed
+Eugene, beginning to bite off his words,
+as though unable to much longer keep up the pretense
+of being calm. "What have you done with
+that old Moqui who came up here ahead of us?"</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg&nbsp;188]</a></span>
+
+<p>"Ah! you saw him enter the hidden stairway,
+then, and that was how you learned the way to
+reach these cliff dwellings?" exclaimed the other,
+as though one thing that had bothered him was
+now explained.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that was how it came about," answered
+Eugene. "We have followed him like his own
+shadow for days, and yet he knew it not. Age
+must have dimmed the sight and hearing of the
+warrior. After we saw him pass upward, on investigating,
+we found the stone ladder in the
+crevice, and we waited several hours for him to
+come down, for we wanted to make sure of him
+first. As he did not appear, we finally could
+stand it no longer, and began to creep up here,
+inches at a time. Then we surprised you, and
+announced our intention of stopping with you."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," declared the scientist, bitterly. "First
+you pretended that you were sent out by a magazine
+to search for me, and get some points as to
+my great work here among the Zunis, the Hopis
+and the Moquis. But I soon discovered that you
+had another motive in trying to find Professor
+Oswald. You began to hint about your desire
+to possess stock in certain mines, and especially
+in one, the ownership of which I had carried in
+my hand for some years. Besides, I had been
+warned of your real intentions, and was on my
+guard."</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg&nbsp;189]</a></span>
+
+<p>"What became of that old Moqui Indian?"
+went on Eugene. "He climbed up, but he did
+not come down. We guarded that stairway closely
+every minute of the time. We have searched
+every room in this rabbit burrow that we could
+discover; but still he does not show up. Have
+you put him away in some place, the entrance to
+which is hidden from our eyes?"</p>
+
+<p>The only reply to this question was a scornful
+laugh. As Bob would say, it was as if the defiant
+little professor had flashed out.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you wish you knew?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, as the document and the Moqui have
+both vanished mysteriously, there's only one thing
+I can conclude," went on Eugene, between his
+teeth; "and that is they must be together at this
+very moment. Produce the one, and the other
+will be found not far away."</p>
+
+<p>"What a wise man you are, sir!" remarked
+the little scientist, with a sneer.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps I may prove a more successful one
+than you imagine," returned Eugene, between
+furious puffs. "Now, all the time I have been
+turning this old lot of rabbit burrows upside down
+I've been thinking a whole lot, Professor."</p>
+
+<p>"Bravo!" exclaimed the other clapping his
+hands vigorously; "it will certainly do you a
+great amount of good, sir, for I imagine you
+seldom treat yourself to such a luxury as a good<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg&nbsp;190]</a></span>
+hard think. And may I inquire concerning the
+result of your labors in that line?"</p>
+
+<p>"First of all, I sized you up as a mighty stubborn
+little bit of humanity."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! thank you, sir. Really, I am disposed
+to accept that as a compliment; for you see, a
+man of my profession could never succeed unless
+he had mastered his inclination for an easy life,
+and had become a stoic. And what else did you
+happen to decide after this wonderful fit of thinking,
+may I ask, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"This: I made up my mind that once you declined
+to produce that document, to secure which
+I have come a great distance, and undergone considerable
+fatigue, that no threat of bodily harm
+would induce you to alter your decision!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is really very interesting to hear you say
+this, sir," remarked the one who had lived in
+that lofty cave for many months, poring over the
+queer things that he unearthed from time to time
+in the ruins of the cliff dwellers' homes. "And
+after reaching such a conclusion as that, how
+comes it you persisted in trying to carry out your
+original intention?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I had another arrow in my quiver,
+Professor!" remarked Eugene, in a penetrating
+voice, that had a ring of anticipated triumph in
+it.</p>
+
+<p>"H'm! torture, perhaps?" suggested the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg&nbsp;191]</a></span>
+other; "but my dear sir, nothing of that nature
+could make me open my lips. I would die rather
+than submit to your proposals."</p>
+
+<p>"But wait a bit, my old friend," chuckled
+Eugene; "there are two kinds of torture, that of
+the body, and of the mind!"</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you are right, sir," the little scientist
+remarked; "but honestly, now, I fail to understand
+the drift of your remarks."</p>
+
+<p>"Then it shall be my pleasure to enlighten
+you, Professor," Eugene continued. "Pay attention
+to me now, and you will quickly have the
+cataract removed from your eyes. Is there anything
+in the world that you value above that
+document which you know by this time has suddenly
+increased in value many times over?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can think of but one thing&mdash;my daughter
+Janice!" replied the other, quickly. "And she
+is far beyond your reach in the East."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah yes, quite true, Professor," the schemer
+went on; "more's the pity. But I think you make
+a mistake when you say that your daughter is
+the only thing on earth you value above the million
+that has suddenly dropped at your feet.
+How about this, Professor?"</p>
+
+<p>He evidently held something up, for the other
+immediately uttered a startled cry.</p>
+
+<p>"The manuscript of my forthcoming book on
+the mysteries of the cliff dwellers of the Grand<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg&nbsp;192]</a></span>
+Canyon! The hard work of three long years of
+exile! A labor of love that I expected will place
+my name among the front ranks of scientists!"</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly!" sneered Eugene. "Just keep
+back, Professor, please. My men are not in any
+too pleasant a mood, and I would not answer for
+what they might do to you if you made the first
+effort to snatch this thing from my hands. Sit
+down again, and let us reason together."</p>
+
+<p>"You wretch! Now I begin to see your game.
+You would threaten to destroy all my precious
+work of years, in order to obtain a miserable
+paper."</p>
+
+<p>At that Eugene laughed loudly.</p>
+
+<p>"It may be all you say, Professor," he remarked;
+"but it represents a snug little fortune
+that I'd like to possess. The future would be
+mighty pleasant, once I made that fine hit. And
+if it appears like so much trash in your eyes, my
+dear man, there should no longer be any hesitation
+about giving it up to me. Think of the work
+you have done. It couldn't be replaced, Professor,
+I imagine? If now I should deliberately take
+a match out of my pocket like this, strike the same,
+and apply the busy little flame to these papers, the
+history of the Zunis, the Hopis, the Moquis, and
+their ancestors the cliff dwellers, would be forever
+lost to the world, wouldn't it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Stop, you wretch!" cried the excited hermit,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg&nbsp;193]</a></span>
+who was apparently greatly alarmed at seeing his
+precious manuscript in peril.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! do you then consent to open your mouth,
+and tell what I want to know?" demanded his
+tormentor.</p>
+
+<p>"Is there no other way out?" asked the
+prisoner of the cave, hopelessly.</p>
+
+<p>"None," replied Eugene, harshly. "My men
+are watching for the Moqui to show up every
+second, and with orders to shoot him on sight.
+So don't indulge in any hope that he can save
+you. There, the match has burned itself out;
+but remember, Professor, there are others, plenty
+of them, where that came from. I will give you
+one minute to produce that paper."</p>
+
+<p>The scientist uttered a sigh that was plainly
+heard.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose I must yield to fate then," he said,
+dismally. "But you promise to return my papers
+to me after I have complied with your outrageous
+demands?"</p>
+
+<p>"To be sure I will, and only too gladly," replied
+the other, eagerly. "I don't want to make
+the terms too hard on you, old man. Only you
+must choose now between losing either the
+fortune, or your work of years. And perhaps
+we'd find the document after all, too. Speak
+up; where is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Examine that rock stool on which you are<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg&nbsp;194]</a></span>
+seated, and you will find that it can be moved,"
+the voice of the hermit went on, steadily. "There,
+now that you have over-turned the seat, you discover
+something in the cavity. Keep your word,
+and place in my hands my precious packet of
+manuscript. Threats of taking my life might not
+move me; but when you place in peril that on
+which my reputation as a scientist must be based,
+it is too much. Thank you, sir; I see you are a
+man of your word. And I will sign the papers
+just as you may wish to have done."<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Contents</a></span></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2 class="space"><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII</a></h2>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg&nbsp;195]</a></span>
+
+<h3>TURNING THE TABLES&mdash;CONCLUSION</h3>
+
+<br />
+
+<p>"Come on in, boys!"</p>
+
+<p>Old Hank Coombs had stood all the while this
+intensely interesting dialogue was going on, as
+though glued to the spot. Indeed, not one of the
+party in the adjoining apartment of the cliff dwellers'
+cave but who had kept drinking in the conversation
+as though it fairly fascinated them.</p>
+
+<p>But when the old cow puncher realized that to
+all appearances the outrageous scheme of Eugene
+had worked only too well, and that the precious
+document was even then in the hands of the
+smooth-tongued plotter, he suddenly awoke to
+the fact that perhaps they had waited a little too
+long.</p>
+
+<p>Through the opening that served as a doorway
+between the apartments he jumped, followed
+immediately by Chesty, the two sheriffs, and finally
+the saddle boys, with Charley Moi bringing up
+the rear.</p>
+
+<p>Of course their unexpected coming created
+quite a breeze among those whom they thus surprised.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg&nbsp;196]</a></span>
+The little man who wore the goggles
+seemed delighted, and immediately started to
+place himself, and his precious manuscript, in a
+position where he might be covered by these
+welcome allies.</p>
+
+<p>Spanish Joe and Abajo had started to draw
+their weapons; but when they discovered that they
+had already been covered, and recognized several
+among the newcomers as old companions on
+Circle Ranch, they promptly elevated their hands.</p>
+
+<p>Eugene looked just as ugly as he felt. The
+prize had apparently been about to fall into his
+hands, like a ripe apple, when this change of front
+had to occur.</p>
+
+<p>He kept his wits about him, however, and like
+the shrewd fox that he was, played the game to
+the limit for his own safety.</p>
+
+<p>"Keep your friends back, Professor Oswald!"
+he shouted, as he managed to interpose what
+looked like a stone table between himself and
+the two sheriffs, who had their hungry eyes on
+him. "See here, unless you promise on your
+word of honor not to proceed against me for this
+little game that didn't work, I'll tear this paper
+that's worth a million into little bits, no matter
+what happens to me afterwards! Do you hear,
+Professor?"</p>
+
+<p>Frank caught his breath. After all the hard
+work which he and Bob had put in to save that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg&nbsp;197]</a></span>
+precious document for Janice, was it to be lost?</p>
+
+<p>He wanted to fly at the man, and snatch it
+from his hands; but did not dare; for only too
+well did he know that at the first hostile move
+Eugene would proceed to put his threat into execution.</p>
+
+<p>To his intense surprise the little man with the
+big glasses seemed to be shaking as with a convulsion
+of laughter. It did not seem as though
+he worried about the fate of the document
+Eugene held so rigidly, while awaiting an answer
+to his demand.</p>
+
+<p>"Do just as you please about that, my friend,"
+chuckled the scientist. "If it would afford you
+any enjoyment to destroy the paper you are holding,
+I wouldn't cheat you out of it for the world."</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;" stammered the defeated plotter, "it
+would render void all your right to taking possession
+of the San Bernardino mine, if this document
+were destroyed!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! dear no, not at all," exclaimed the other,
+cheerily. "The fact is, that paper is even now on
+the way to the nearest post office, addressed to
+my friend and relative, Colonel Haywood, and is
+to go by registered mail."</p>
+
+<p>"That Moqui Indian&mdash;" gasped Eugene, falling
+back helplessly.</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly, he carries the packet, with orders to
+let nothing divert him from his one purpose," observed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg&nbsp;198]</a></span>
+the scientist; while Bob nudged his chum
+in the side, unable to restrain his delight over the
+wonderful outcome of the knotty problem.</p>
+
+<p>"How did he get out of here?" asked Eugene.
+"We watched the stone stairway every minute of
+the time, and he didn't go down that way."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! well, in my prowling around here, month
+after month," explained the hermit, "I managed
+to find a way the old cliff dwellers had for reaching
+the summit of the rocks, in case of necessity.
+The Moqui possessed the nerve required to crawl
+along the face of the cliff on a narrow ledge, and
+make the exit. He is miles away by now, and my
+daughter's inheritance is safe!"</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;this paper here," asked Eugene, faintly;
+yet with curiosity governing his actions;
+"it seems to be a legal document, transferring
+a majority of the shares of the San Bernardino
+mine over to you if the further conditions are fulfilled
+within a certain time?"</p>
+
+<p>"To be sure," laughed the other, "that was
+the first copy, you might say. There was some
+little defect about it, which we discovered after it
+was signed; so a second copy was made. If you
+had examined that one closer you would have
+found that the stamp necessary to make it legal
+was lacking. Somehow I happened to keep both
+copies, never dreaming how valuable this bogus
+one might prove."</p>
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg&nbsp;199]</a></span>
+
+<p>Eugene threw the paper angrily to the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm done!" he cried, shaking his head.
+"Come on, Mr. Stanwix, if you are after me, and
+put the irons on; though I don't think you've got
+any show of convicting me of any unlawful game.
+I claim to have come here to interview this famous
+old gentleman about the wonderful discoveries
+he has made connected with these people of
+the cliffs. I expected to make a big sum in selling
+the article to a magazine. Perhaps you might
+give me more or less trouble if you cared; but
+then it's another thing to show proof. And the
+professor wouldn't like to stay out here long
+months, waiting for the case to come on."</p>
+
+<p>"That's where you're right, my tall friend,"
+chirped the little scientist; "and as my work is
+almost finished I do not mean to let anything detain
+me from getting my book in the hands of the
+printers."</p>
+
+<p>"Hear that, Mr. Stanwix; he says we're going
+to get off easy, and you might as well wish us
+good day right now?" exclaimed Eugene, nodding
+to the Yavapai sheriff, whom he appeared
+to know.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, there's no hurry," remarked that
+official, pleasantly. "On the whole, my opinion is
+that it would be good policy to keep you locked
+up until we know that the document has reached
+the hands of the one to whom it was sent, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg&nbsp;200]</a></span>
+who is, I believe, the father of our friend, Frank,
+here."</p>
+
+<p>"I agree with you, Mr. Sheriff!" declared the
+old hermit of the cave. "Because if he were set
+free I fear he would chase after the United States
+mail, if a single hope remained of stealing my
+property. Yes, kindly keep him by you until I
+come around with news."</p>
+
+<p>Then he turned to the two cow punchers, who
+had stood moodily by, listening to all that was
+being said.</p>
+
+<p>"I have no use for either of you men," he remarked,
+shaking a finger at them; "so the sooner
+you get down out of this place, the better. And
+while I continue to remain here a few days, I'm
+going to ask these brave lads to keep me company
+as a guard of honor. I've many things to show
+that may interest them. And I want to accompany
+Frank to his home a little later, if possible."</p>
+
+<p>And so it was arranged. Old Hank and Chesty
+declared that their orders had been to stay as long
+as Frank and Bob did; so they also took up their
+quarters in the apartments that went to make up
+what the little old gentleman had called Echo
+Cave.</p>
+
+<p>The two sheriffs took their prisoner away, to
+place him in some secure nook while they continued
+their search for the pair of scoundrels<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg&nbsp;201]</a></span>
+whom they had hunted so long, and were determined
+to get this time.</p>
+
+<p>As they will not be seen again in this story it
+may only be right to say that Frank afterwards
+read an account in a paper of how the sheriffs
+finally rounded up the Arizona Kid and Big Bill
+Guffey, arresting them after a warm resistance
+in which all of the participants were wounded.
+And in due time doubtless the bad men who had
+so long defied the law, paid the penalty for their
+various crimes.</p>
+
+<p>The saddle boys certainly did enjoy the few
+days they spent with the queer little hermit, while
+he completed his odd business in the rock dwellings
+of the ancient cliff men.</p>
+
+<p>They found the echo which had caused him to
+give the place its name, and spent many an hour
+amusing themselves with its astonishing power
+to send back sounds.</p>
+
+<p>Finally Havasupai made his appearance, bearing
+with him a receipt, which proved that the precious
+packet had been sent by registered mail to
+Circle Ranch.</p>
+
+<p>And then the professor announced himself as
+ready to take his departure from the scene of his
+two years' labors as a hermit, working in the interests
+of science.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a wonderful old place," Bob declared as
+they took their last look at the Grand Canyon<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg&nbsp;202]</a></span>
+from the bluff in front of the hotel, ere mounting
+their horses and starting back home across
+the many miles that lay to the south and east
+before Circle Ranch might be reached.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and we'll never forget what we've seen
+here," added Frank.</p>
+
+<p>"Not to speak of the adventures that have
+come our way," remarked Bob. "Tell you the
+truth, Frank, I'll be mighty sorry when our trip
+is over, because I reckon it'll be a long time before
+we have another chance for such a great
+gallop."</p>
+
+<p>But although of course he did not know it just
+then, Bob was very much mistaken when he made
+this prophecy. It happened that events were
+shaping themselves at that very hour in a way
+calculated to call upon the saddle boys to make
+another venture into the realms of chance, and
+mounted upon their prized horses too. What
+these events were, and how well Frank and Bob
+acquitted themselves when brought face to face
+with new adventures, will be found set forth in
+the next volume of this series, under the title of,
+"The Saddle Boys on the Plains; Or, After a
+Treasure of Gold."</p>
+
+<p>Old Hank and Chesty accompanied Professor
+Oswald by way of the railroad to a point nearest
+the ranch, where a vehicle would be awaiting
+them. He had been greatly interested in hearing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg&nbsp;203]</a></span>
+how one of the bottles that he had thrown
+into the swift current of the Colorado had been
+eventually picked up in far distant Mohave City;
+and thus his note came into the hands of his relatives.</p>
+
+<p>Of course Frank and his chum enjoyed the return
+gallop even more than when on the way to
+the Grand Canyon. They no longer had anything
+weighing on their minds, since the plans of
+Eugene Warringford had been broken up. And
+besides, the recollection of the astounding
+wonders they had gazed upon in that great canyon
+were bound to haunt them forever.</p>
+
+<p>The little professor was waiting to see them
+at the ranch, before starting East to join his
+daughter, and get his wonderful book under
+way.</p>
+
+<p>"I owe you boys more than I can tell," he
+declared, when he was saying good-bye; "and
+you needn't be at all surprised if a nice little
+bunch of gold mine stock comes this way for each
+of you, just as soon as my deal goes through,
+which will be in one more week."</p>
+
+<p>He was as good as his word, and when the
+mine came under his authority he did send both
+Frank and Bob some stock, on which they could
+collect dividends four times a year.</p>
+
+<p>Frank looked in vain for the coming of the old
+Moqui. Charley Moi did indeed turn up a little<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg&nbsp;204]</a></span>
+later, anxious to again meet the boys whom he
+had served in the Grand Canyon. But Havasupai
+came not to Circle Ranch; and remembering
+how he had apparently been fleeing from
+the wrath of his people at the time they first met
+him, Frank and Bob could not but wonder
+whether the old warrior had gone back to his
+native village only to meet his fate at the hands
+of his people, according to Moqui law.</p>
+
+<p>Here we may leave our two young friends, the
+saddle boys, for a short time, enjoying a well
+earned rest. But the lure of the great outdoors
+was so strongly rooted in their natures that it
+may be readily understood they could not remain
+inactive long; but would soon be galloping over
+the wide reaches, following the cowboys as they
+rounded up the herds, branded mavericks and
+young cattle, and picked out those intended for
+shipment to the great marts at Kansas City.</p>
+
+<p>But while new scenes would likely interest
+Frank and Bob from time to time, they could
+never forget the magnificent views that had been
+stamped upon their memories forever while in the
+Grand Canyon of the mighty Colorado.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">Contents</a></span></p>
+
+<p class="center">THE END</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg&nbsp;205]</a></span>
+
+<h3 class="space">THE BOYS' OUTING LIBRARY</h3>
+
+<p class="center"><i>12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full color.<br />
+Price, per volume, 65 cents, postpaid.</i></p><br />
+
+
+<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="The Saddle Boys Series.">
+  <tr>
+    <td rowspan="9"><img border="0" src="images/illus-211.jpg" height="165" width="125" alt="Book Illustration" /></td>
+    <td align="center"><b>THE SADDLE BOYS SERIES</b></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr><td align="center"><span class="author">By CAPT. JAMES CARSON</span></td></tr>
+  <tr><td style="padding-left: 1em;">The Saddle Boys of the Rockies</td></tr>
+  <tr><td style="padding-left: 1em;">The Saddle Boys in the Grand Canyon</td></tr>
+  <tr><td style="padding-left: 1em;">The Saddle Boys on the Plains</td></tr>
+  <tr><td style="padding-left: 1em;">The Saddle Boys at Circle Ranch</td></tr>
+  <tr><td style="padding-left: 1em;">The Saddle Boys on Mexican Trails</td></tr>
+  <tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+  <tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="The Dave Dashaway Series.">
+  <tr><td align="center"><b>THE DAVE DASHAWAY SERIES</b></td></tr>
+  <tr><td align="center"><span class="author">By ROY ROCKWOOD</span></td></tr>
+  <tr><td>Dave Dashaway the Young Aviator</td></tr>
+  <tr><td>Dave Dashaway and His Hydroplane</td></tr>
+  <tr><td>Dave Dashaway and His Giant Airship</td></tr>
+  <tr><td>Dave Dashaway Around the World</td></tr>
+  <tr><td>Dave Dashaway: Air Champion</td></tr>
+</table>
+<br />
+<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="The Speedwell Boys Series.">
+  <tr><td align="center"><b>THE SPEEDWELL BOYS SERIES</b></td></tr>
+  <tr><td align="center"><span class="author">By ROY ROCKWOOD</span></td></tr>
+  <tr><td>The Speedwell Boys on Motorcycles</td></tr>
+  <tr><td>The Speedwell Boys and Their Racing Auto</td></tr>
+  <tr><td>The Speedwell Boys and Their Power Launch</td></tr>
+  <tr><td>The Speedwell Boys in a Submarine</td></tr>
+  <tr><td>The Speedwell Boys and Their Ice Racer</td></tr>
+</table>
+<br />
+<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="The Tom Fairfield Series.">
+  <tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><b>THE TOM FAIRFIELD SERIES</b></td></tr>
+  <tr><td colspan="2" align="center" style="padding-bottom: .5em;"><span class="author">By ALLEN CHAPMAN</span></td></tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tabmid">Tom Fairfield's School Days</td>
+    <td style="padding-left: .5em;">Tom Fairfield in Camp</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tabmid">Tom Fairfield at Sea</td>
+    <td style="padding-left: .5em;">Tom Fairfield's Pluck and Luck</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr><td colspan="2" align="center">Tom Fairfield's Hunting Trip</td></tr>
+</table>
+<br />
+<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="The Fred Fenton Athletic Series.">
+  <tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><b>THE FRED FENTON ATHLETIC SERIES</b></td></tr>
+  <tr><td colspan="2" align="center"  style="padding-bottom: .5em;"><span class="author">By ALLEN CHAPMAN</span></td></tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tabmid">Fred Fenton the Pitcher</td>
+    <td style="padding-left: .5em;">Fred Fenton in the Line</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tabmid">Fred Fenton on the Crew</td>
+    <td style="padding-left: .5em;">Fred Fenton on the Track</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr><td colspan="2" align="center">Fred Fenton: Marathon Runner</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="center"><i>Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue.</i></p><br />
+
+<p class="center"><b>CUPPLES &amp; LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York</b></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg&nbsp;206]</a></span>
+
+<h3 class="space">THE JEWEL SERIES</h3>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="author">By AMES THOMPSON</span></p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in colors</i></p>
+
+<p class="center">Price per volume, 65 cents</p>
+
+<div class="imgl">
+<img border="0" src="images/illus-212.jpg" height="165" width="125" alt="Book Illustration" />
+</div>
+
+<br />
+
+<p><i>A series of stories brimming with hardy
+adventure, vivid and accurate in detail, and
+with a good foundation of probability. They
+take the reader realistically to the scene of
+action. Besides being lively and full of real
+situations, they are written in a straightforward
+way very attractive to boy readers.</i></p>
+<br />
+<br />
+
+<p><b>1. THE ADVENTURE BOYS <span class="smcap">and the</span> VALLEY OF DIAMONDS</b></p>
+
+<p>Malcolm Edwards and his son Ralph are adventurers with ample
+means for following up their interest in jewel clues. In this book
+they form a party of five, including Jimmy Stone and Bret Hartson,
+boys of Ralph's age, and a shrewd level-headed sailor named Stanley
+Greene. They find a valley of diamonds in the heart of Africa.</p><br />
+
+<p><b>2. THE ADVENTURE BOYS <span class="smcap">and the</span> RIVER OF EMERALDS</b></p>
+
+<p>The five adventurers, staying at a hotel in San Francisco, find that
+Pedro the elevator man has an interesting story of a hidden "river
+of emeralds" in Peru, to tell. With him as guide, they set out to find
+it, escape various traps set for them by jealous Peruvians, and are
+much amused by Pedro all through the experience.</p><br />
+
+<p><b>3. THE ADVENTURE BOYS <span class="smcap">and the</span> LAGOON OF PEARLS</b></p>
+
+<p>This time the group starts out on a cruise simply for pleasure, but
+their adventuresome spirits lead them into the thick of things on a
+South Sea cannibal island.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue</i></p><br />
+
+<p class="center"><b>CUPPLES &amp; LEON COMPANY, PUBLISHERS New York</b></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg&nbsp;207]</a></span>
+
+<h3 class="space">THE BOMBA BOOKS</h3>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="author">By ROY ROCKWOOD</span></p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. With colored jacket</i></p>
+
+<div class="imgl">
+<img border="0" src="images/illus-213.jpg" height="165" width="125" alt="Book Illustration" />
+</div>
+
+<br />
+
+<p class="center"><b><i>Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid</i></b></p>
+
+<p><i>Bomba lived far back in the jungles of the
+Amazon with a half-demented naturalist
+who told the lad nothing of his past. The
+jungle boy was a lover of birds, and hunted
+animals with a bow and arrow and his trusty
+machete. He had a primitive education in
+some things, and his daring adventures will
+be followed with breathless interest by thousands.</i></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><b>1. BOMBA THE JUNGLE BOY</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;"><i>or The Old Naturalist's Secret</i></span></p>
+
+<p>In the depth of the jungle Bomba lives a life replete with thrilling
+situations. Once he saves the lives of two American rubber hunters
+who ask him who he is, and how he had come into the jungle. He
+sets off to solve the mystery of his identity.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><b>2. BOMBA THE JUNGLE BOY AT THE MOVING MOUNTAIN</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;"><i>or The Mystery of the Caves of Fire</i></span></p>
+
+<p>Bomba travels through the jungle, encountering wild beasts and
+hostile natives. At last he trails the old man of the burning mountain
+to his cave and learns more concerning himself.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><b>3. BOMBA THE JUNGLE BOY AT THE GIANT CATARACT</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;"><i>or Chief Nascanora and His Captives</i></span></p>
+
+<p>From the Moving Mountain Bomba travels to the Giant Cataract,
+still searching out his parentage. Among the Pilati Indians he finds
+some white captives, and an aged opera singer who is the first to
+give Bomba real news of his forebears.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><b>4. BOMBA THE JUNGLE BOY ON JAGUAR ISLAND</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;"><i>or Adrift on the River of Mystery</i></span></p>
+
+<p>Jaguar Island was a spot as dangerous as it was mysterious and
+Bomba was warned to keep away. But the plucky boy sallied forth
+and met adventures galore.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><b>5. BOMBA THE JUNGLE BOY IN THE ABANDONED CITY</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;"><i>or A Treasure Ten Thousand Years Old</i></span></p>
+
+<p>Years ago this great city had sunk out of sight beneath the trees
+of the jungle. A wily half-breed and his tribe thought to carry away
+its treasure of gold and precious stones. Bomba follows.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue</i></p><br />
+
+<p class="center"><b>CUPPLES &amp; LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York</b></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg&nbsp;208]</a></span>
+
+<h3 class="space">SEA STORIES FOR BOYS</h3>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="author">By JOHN GABRIEL ROWE</span></p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>Large 12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Colored jacket</i></p>
+
+<p class="center"><b><i>Price per volume, $1.00 Net</i></b></p>
+
+<div class="imgl">
+<img border="0" src="images/illus-214.jpg" height="165" width="125" alt="Book Illustration" />
+</div>
+
+<br />
+
+<p><i>Every boy who knows the lure of exploring,
+and who loves to rig up huts and caves and
+tree-houses to fortify himself against imaginary
+enemies will enjoy these books, for they
+give a vivid chronicle of the doings and
+inventions of a group of boys who are shipwrecked,
+and have to make themselves snug
+and safe in tropical islands where the
+dangers are too real for play.</i></p>
+
+<br /><br /><br />
+
+<p class="center"><b>1. CRUSOE ISLAND</b></p>
+
+<p>Dick, Alf and Fred find themselves stranded on an unknown island
+with the old seaman Josh. Their ship destroyed by fire, their
+friends lost, they have to make shift for themselves for a whole
+exciting year before being rescued.</p><br />
+
+<p class="center"><b>2. THE ISLAND TREASURE</b></p>
+
+<p>With much ingenuity these boys fit themselves into the wild life
+of the island they are cast upon in storm. They build various kinds of
+strongholds and spend most of their time outwitting their enemies.</p><br />
+
+<p class="center"><b>3. THE MYSTERY OF THE DERELICT</b></p>
+
+<p>Their ship and companions perished in tempest at sea, the boys
+are adrift in a small open boat when they spy a ship. Such a strange
+vessel!&mdash;no hand guiding it, no soul on board,&mdash;a derelict. It
+carries a gruesome mystery, as the boys soon discover, and it leads
+them into a series of strange experiences.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue</i></p><br />
+
+<p class="center"><b>CUPPLES &amp; LEON COMPANY, PUBLISHERS New York</b></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg&nbsp;209]</a></span>
+
+<h3 class="space">THE BOY RANCHERS SERIES</h3>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="author">By WILLARD F. BAKER</span></p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors</i></p>
+
+<div class="imgl">
+<img border="0" src="images/illus-215.jpg" height="165" width="125" alt="Book Illustration" />
+</div>
+
+<br />
+
+<p class="center"><b><i>Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid</i></b></p>
+
+<p><i>Stories of the great west, with cattle ranches as
+a setting, related in such a style as to captivate
+the hearts of all boys.</i></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><b>1. THE BOY RANCHERS</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;"><i>or Solving the Mystery at Diamond X</i></span></p>
+
+<p>Two eastern boys visit their cousin. They
+become involved in an exciting mystery.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><b>2. THE BOY RANCHERS IN CAMP</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;"><i>or The Water Fight at Diamond X</i></span></p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;Returning for a visit, the two eastern lads learn, with delight, that
+they are to become boy ranchers.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><b>3. THE BOY RANCHERS ON THE TRAIL</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;"><i>or The Diamond X After Cattle Rustlers</i></span></p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;Our boy heroes take the trail after Del Pinzo and his outlaws.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><b>4. THE BOY RANCHERS AMONG THE INDIANS</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;"><i>or Trailing the Yaquis</i></span></p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;Rosemary and Floyd are captured by the Yaqui Indians but the
+boy ranchers trailed them into the mountains and effected the rescue.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><b>5. THE BOY RANCHERS AT SPUR CREEK</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;"><i>or Fighting the Sheep Herders</i></span></p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;Dangerous struggle against desperadoes for land rights brings out
+heroic adventures.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><b>6. THE BOY RANCHERS IN THE DESERT</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;"><i>or Diamond X and the Lost Mine</i></span></p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;One night a strange old miner almost dead from hunger and hardship
+arrived at the bunk house. The boys cared for him and he told
+them of the lost desert mine.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><b>7. THE BOY RANCHERS ON ROARING RIVER</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;"><i>or Diamond X and the Chinese Smugglers</i></span></p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;The boy ranchers help capture Delton's gang who were engaged in
+smuggling Chinese across the border.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue</i></p><br />
+
+<p class="center"><b>CUPPLES &amp; LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York</b></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg&nbsp;210]</a></span>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap" style="font-size: large;"><b>The Webster Series</b></span></p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap, small">By FRANK V. WEBSTER</span></p>
+
+<div class="imgl">
+<img border="0" src="images/illus-216.jpg" height="165" width="125" alt="Book Illustration" />
+</div>
+
+<br /><br />
+<p>Mr. WEBSTER'S style is very much like
+that of the boys' favorite author, the late
+lamented Horatio Alger, Jr., but his tales
+are thoroughly up-to-date.</p>
+
+<p><b>Cloth. 12mo. Over 200 pages each. Illustrated.
+Stamped in various colors.</b></p>
+
+<p><b>Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid.</b></p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+
+<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" width="70%" summary="The Webster Series.">
+  <tr>
+    <td width="50%" class="tabmid"><b>Only a Farm Boy</b></td>
+    <td style="padding-left: .5em;"><b>Tom The Telephone Boy</b></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr align="right">
+    <td class="tabmid"><i>or Dan Hardy's Rise in Life</i></td>
+    <td><i>or The Mystery of a Message</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tabmid"><b>The Boy From The Ranch</b></td>
+    <td style="padding-left: .5em;"><b>Bob The Castaway</b></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr align="right">
+    <td class="tabmid"><i>or Roy Bradner's City Experiences</i></td>
+    <td><i>or The Wreck of the Eagle</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tabmid"><b>The Young Treasure Hunter</b></td>
+    <td style="padding-left: .5em;"><b>The Newsboy Partners</b></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr align="right">
+    <td class="tabmid"><i>or Fred Stanley's Trip to Alaska</i></td>
+    <td><i>or Who Was Dick Box?</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tabmid"><b>The Boy Pilot of the Lakes</b></td>
+    <td style="padding-left: .5em;"><b>Two Boy Gold Miners</b></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr align="right">
+    <td class="tabmid"><i>or Nat Morton's Perils</i></td>
+    <td><i>or Lost in the Mountains</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr><td colspan="2" align="center" style="padding-top: .5em;"><b>The Young Firemen of Lakeville</b></td></tr>
+  <tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><i>or Herbert Dare's Pluck</i></td></tr>
+  <tr><td colspan="2" align="center" style="padding-top: .5em;"><b>The Boys of Bellwood School</b></td></tr>
+  <tr><td colspan="2" align="center" style="padding-bottom: .5em;"><i>or Frank Jordan's Triumph</i></td></tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tabmid"><b>Jack the Runaway</b></td>
+    <td style="padding-left: .5em;"><b>High School Rivals</b></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr align="right">
+    <td class="tabmid"><i>or On the Road with a Circus</i></td>
+    <td><i>or Fred Markham's Struggles</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tabmid"><b>Bob Chester's Grit</b></td>
+    <td style="padding-left: .5em;"><b>Darry The Life Saver</b></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr align="right">
+    <td class="tabmid"><i>or From Ranch to Riches</i></td>
+    <td><i>or The Heroes of the Coast</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tabmid"><b>Airship Andy</b></td>
+    <td style="padding-left: .5em;"><b>Dick The Bank Boy</b></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr align="right">
+    <td class="tabmid"><i>or The Luck of a Brave Boy</i></td>
+    <td><i>or A Missing Fortune</i></td>
+  </tr>
+
+  <tr><td colspan="2" align="center" style="padding-top: .5em;"><b>Ben Hardy's Flying Machine</b></td></tr>
+  <tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><i>or Making a Record for Himself</i></td></tr>
+  <tr><td colspan="2" align="center" style="padding-top: .5em;"><b>Harry Watson's High School Days</b></td></tr>
+  <tr><td colspan="2" align="center" style="padding-bottom: .5em;"><i>or The Rivals of Rivertown</i></td></tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tabmid"><b>Comrades of the Saddle</b></td>
+    <td style="padding-left: .5em;"><b>The Boys of the Wireless</b></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr align="right">
+    <td class="tabmid"><i>or The Young Rough Riders of the Plains</i></td>
+    <td><i>or a Stirring Rescue from the Deep</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tabmid"><b>Tom Taylor at West Point</b></td>
+    <td style="padding-left: .5em;"><b>Cowboy Dave</b></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr align="right">
+    <td class="tabmid"><i>or The Old Army Officer's Secret</i></td>
+    <td><i>or The Round-up at Rolling River</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tabmid"><b>The Boy Scouts of Lennox</b></td>
+    <td style="padding-left: .5em;"><b>Jack of the Pony Express</b></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr align="right">
+    <td class="tabmid"><i>or Hiking Over Big Bear Mountain</i></td>
+    <td><i>or The Young Rider of the Mountain Trail</i></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr><td colspan="2" align="center" style="padding-top: .5em;"><b>The Boys of the Battleship</b></td></tr>
+  <tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><i>or For the Honor of Uncle Sam</i></td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<br />
+
+<p class="center"><b>CUPPLES &amp; LEON CO., Publishers NEW YORK</b></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg&nbsp;211]</a></span>
+
+<h2 class="space"><i>The Boy Hunters Series</i></h2>
+
+<p class="center"><i>By Captain Ralph Bonehill</i></p>
+
+<p class="center">12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, $1.00, postpaid.</p>
+
+<div class="imgl">
+<img border="0" src="images/illus-217.jpg" height="165" width="125" alt="Book Illustration" />
+</div><br /><br />
+
+<p class="center"><b>FOUR BOY HUNTERS</b><br />
+<i>Or, The Outing of the Gun Club</i></p>
+
+<p>A fine, breezy story of the woods and
+waters, of adventures in search of
+game, and of great times around the campfire,
+told in Captain Bonehill's best style.
+In the book are given full directions for
+camping out.</p><br />
+
+<p class="center"><b>GUNS AND SNOWSHOES</b><br />
+<i>Or, The Winter Outing of the Young Hunters</i></p>
+
+<p>In this volume the young hunters leave home for a winter outing on the
+shores of a small lake. They hunt and trap to their hearts' content,
+and have adventures in plenty, all calculated to make boys "sit up and
+take notice." A good healthy book; one with the odor of the pine forests
+and the glare of the welcome campfire in every chapter.</p><br />
+
+<p class="center"><b>YOUNG HUNTERS OF THE LAKE</b><br />
+<i>Or, Out with Rod and Gun</i></p>
+
+<p>Another tale of woods and waters, with some strong hunting scenes and
+a good deal of mystery. The three volumes make a splendid outdoor series.</p><br />
+
+<p class="center"><b>OUT WITH GUN AND CAMERA</b><br />
+<i>Or, The Boy Hunters in the Mountains</i></p>
+
+<p>Takes up the new fad of photographing wild animals as well as
+shooting them. An escaped circus chimpanzee and an escaped lion
+add to the interest of the narrative.</p><br />
+
+<p class="center"><b>CUPPLES &amp; LEON CO., Publishers, NEW YORK</b></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg&nbsp;212]</a></span>
+
+<h3 class="space">THE MOTOR BOYS SERIES</h3>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">by clarence young</span></p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, $1.00, postpaid</i></p>
+
+<div class="imgl">
+<img border="0" src="images/illus-218.jpg" height="235" width="175" alt="Book Illustration" />
+</div><br /><br />
+
+<p><b>THE MOTOR BOYS</b><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;"><i>or Chums Through Thick and Thin</i></span><br />
+<b>THE MOTOR BOYS OVERLAND</b><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;"><i>or A Long Trip for Fun and Fortune</i></span><br />
+<b>THE MOTOR BOYS IN MEXICO</b><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;"><i>or The Secret of the Buried City</i></span><br />
+<b>THE MOTOR BOYS ACROSS THE PLAINS</b><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;"><i>or The Hermit of Lost Lake</i></span><br />
+<b>THE MOTOR BOYS AFLOAT</b><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;"><i>or The Cruise of the Dartaway</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><b>THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE ATLANTIC</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8.5em;"><i>or The Mystery of the Lighthouse</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><b>THE MOTOR BOYS IN STRANGE WATERS</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8.5em;"><i>or Lost in a Floating Forest</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><b>THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE PACIFIC</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8.5em;"><i>or The Young Derelict Hunters</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><b>THE MOTOR BOYS IN THE CLOUDS</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8.5em;"><i>or A Trip for Fame and Fortune</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><b>THE MOTOR BOYS OVER THE ROCKIES</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8.5em;"><i>or A Mystery of the Air</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><b>THE MOTOR BOYS OVER THE OCEAN</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8.5em;"><i>or A Marvelous Rescue in Mid-Air</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><b>THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE WING</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8.5em;"><i>or Seeking the Airship Treasure</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><b>THE MOTOR BOYS AFTER A FORTUNE</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8.5em;"><i>or The Hut on Snake Island</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><b>THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE BORDER</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8.5em;"><i>or Sixty Nuggets of Gold</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><b>THE MOTOR BOYS UNDER THE SEA</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8.5em;"><i>or From Airship to Submarine</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><b>THE MOTOR BOYS ON ROAD AND RIVER</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8.5em;"><i>or Racing to Save a Life</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><b>THE MOTOR BOYS AT BOXWOOD HALL</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8.5em;"><i>or Ned, Bob and Jerry as Freshmen</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><b>THE MOTOR BOYS ON A RANCH</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8.5em;"><i>or Ned, Bob and Jerry Among the Cowboys</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><b>THE MOTOR BOYS IN THE ARMY</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8.5em;"><i>or Ned, Bob and Jerry as Volunteers</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><b>THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE FIRING LINE</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8.5em;"><i>or Ned, Bob and Jerry Fighting for Uncle Sam</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><b>THE MOTOR BOYS BOUND FOR HOME</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8.5em;"><i>or Ned, Bob and Jerry on the Wrecked Troopship</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;"><b>THE MOTOR BOYS ON THUNDER MOUNTAIN</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8.5em;"><i>or The Treasure Box of Blue Rock</i></span></p><br />
+
+<p class="center"><b>CUPPLES &amp; LEON COMPANY. Publishers New York</b></p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SADDLE BOYS IN THE GRAND CANYON***</p>
+<p>******* This file should be named 21841-h.txt or 21841-h.zip *******</p>
+<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br />
+<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/1/8/4/21841">http://www.gutenberg.org/2/1/8/4/21841</a></p>
+<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.</p>
+
+<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.</p>
+
+
+
+<pre>
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license)</a>.
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+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
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS,' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's
+eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII,
+compressed (zipped), HTML and others.
+
+Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over
+the old filename and etext number.  The replaced older file is renamed.
+VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving
+new filenames and etext numbers.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org">http://www.gutenberg.org</a>
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
+EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000,
+are filed in directories based on their release date.  If you want to
+download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular
+search system you may utilize the following addresses and just
+download by the etext year.
+
+<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext06/">http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext06/</a>
+
+    (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99,
+     98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90)
+
+EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are
+filed in a different way.  The year of a release date is no longer part
+of the directory path.  The path is based on the etext number (which is
+identical to the filename).  The path to the file is made up of single
+digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename.  For
+example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at:
+
+http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/0/2/3/10234
+
+or filename 24689 would be found at:
+http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/4/6/8/24689
+
+An alternative method of locating eBooks:
+<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/GUTINDEX.ALL">http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/GUTINDEX.ALL</a>
+
+*** END: FULL LICENSE ***
+</pre>
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/21841-h/images/covers.jpg b/21841-h/images/covers.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9573b9f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-h/images/covers.jpg
diff --git a/21841-h/images/coverx.jpg b/21841-h/images/coverx.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0af885d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-h/images/coverx.jpg
diff --git a/21841-h/images/illus-140s.jpg b/21841-h/images/illus-140s.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f126499
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-h/images/illus-140s.jpg
diff --git a/21841-h/images/illus-140x.jpg b/21841-h/images/illus-140x.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..82dd46a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-h/images/illus-140x.jpg
diff --git a/21841-h/images/illus-211.jpg b/21841-h/images/illus-211.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0876c0a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-h/images/illus-211.jpg
diff --git a/21841-h/images/illus-212.jpg b/21841-h/images/illus-212.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b49a0a3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-h/images/illus-212.jpg
diff --git a/21841-h/images/illus-213.jpg b/21841-h/images/illus-213.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..65974f2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-h/images/illus-213.jpg
diff --git a/21841-h/images/illus-214.jpg b/21841-h/images/illus-214.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..11405f2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-h/images/illus-214.jpg
diff --git a/21841-h/images/illus-215.jpg b/21841-h/images/illus-215.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..022c604
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-h/images/illus-215.jpg
diff --git a/21841-h/images/illus-216.jpg b/21841-h/images/illus-216.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1fc819e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-h/images/illus-216.jpg
diff --git a/21841-h/images/illus-217.jpg b/21841-h/images/illus-217.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..44708d1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-h/images/illus-217.jpg
diff --git a/21841-h/images/illus-218.jpg b/21841-h/images/illus-218.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3eb139c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-h/images/illus-218.jpg
diff --git a/21841-page-images/c001.jpg b/21841-page-images/c001.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..533d3c7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/c001.jpg
diff --git a/21841-page-images/f001.png b/21841-page-images/f001.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2dce473
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/f001.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/f002.png b/21841-page-images/f002.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a9a52c9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/f002.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/f003.png b/21841-page-images/f003.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..525150f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/f003.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/f004.png b/21841-page-images/f004.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9d2477c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/f004.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p001.png b/21841-page-images/p001.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3bbef91
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p001.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p002.png b/21841-page-images/p002.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1b2a3eb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p002.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p003.png b/21841-page-images/p003.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ae157b0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p003.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p004.png b/21841-page-images/p004.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0593291
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p004.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p005.png b/21841-page-images/p005.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f85f589
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p005.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p006.png b/21841-page-images/p006.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d6df6fd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p006.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p007.png b/21841-page-images/p007.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..98eaca7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p007.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p008.png b/21841-page-images/p008.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fe0c71d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p008.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p009.png b/21841-page-images/p009.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3e6a681
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p009.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p010.png b/21841-page-images/p010.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d520d77
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p010.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p011.png b/21841-page-images/p011.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..051e4ca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p011.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p012.png b/21841-page-images/p012.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..062bb7a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p012.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p013.png b/21841-page-images/p013.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..51aed5f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p013.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p014.png b/21841-page-images/p014.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7ccc3e7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p014.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p015.png b/21841-page-images/p015.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..390f25b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p015.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p016.png b/21841-page-images/p016.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..66796d1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p016.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p017.png b/21841-page-images/p017.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5ed4a4f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p017.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p018.png b/21841-page-images/p018.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..415d78c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p018.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p019.png b/21841-page-images/p019.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..abea1bc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p019.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p020.png b/21841-page-images/p020.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c76a114
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p020.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p021.png b/21841-page-images/p021.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f6334eb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p021.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p022.png b/21841-page-images/p022.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ab47a39
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p022.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p023.png b/21841-page-images/p023.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f33e80f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p023.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p024.png b/21841-page-images/p024.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..56dd0c7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p024.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p025.png b/21841-page-images/p025.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..461f5c9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p025.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p026.png b/21841-page-images/p026.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2c0f205
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p026.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p027.png b/21841-page-images/p027.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b367b4a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p027.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p028.png b/21841-page-images/p028.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b478680
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p028.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p029.png b/21841-page-images/p029.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f1e91e5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p029.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p030.png b/21841-page-images/p030.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0be0106
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p030.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p031.png b/21841-page-images/p031.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6bc31f1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p031.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p032.png b/21841-page-images/p032.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8f9c413
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p032.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p033.png b/21841-page-images/p033.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f8b1fd2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p033.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p034.png b/21841-page-images/p034.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aa9c392
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p034.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p035.png b/21841-page-images/p035.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d6afca9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p035.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p036.png b/21841-page-images/p036.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ab68a2a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p036.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p037.png b/21841-page-images/p037.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8dd7ce5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p037.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p038.png b/21841-page-images/p038.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..23a4dff
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p038.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p039.png b/21841-page-images/p039.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..afc0d0c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p039.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p040.png b/21841-page-images/p040.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0b75409
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p040.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p041.png b/21841-page-images/p041.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d25920a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p041.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p042.png b/21841-page-images/p042.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4f87256
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p042.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p043.png b/21841-page-images/p043.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3c4f4d7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p043.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p044.png b/21841-page-images/p044.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..159b5c0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p044.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p045.png b/21841-page-images/p045.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3ce906a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p045.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p046.png b/21841-page-images/p046.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..59b1610
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p046.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p047.png b/21841-page-images/p047.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d54ec49
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p047.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p048.png b/21841-page-images/p048.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a1be864
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p048.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p049.png b/21841-page-images/p049.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1719c0e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p049.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p050.png b/21841-page-images/p050.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..720cc15
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p050.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p051.png b/21841-page-images/p051.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..118f01f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p051.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p052.png b/21841-page-images/p052.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2422e05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p052.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p053.png b/21841-page-images/p053.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..738e728
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p053.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p054.png b/21841-page-images/p054.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ddef21d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p054.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p055.png b/21841-page-images/p055.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..70ff70a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p055.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p056.png b/21841-page-images/p056.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2f961c6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p056.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p057.png b/21841-page-images/p057.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..61dfd2f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p057.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p058.png b/21841-page-images/p058.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..92cd959
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p058.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p059.png b/21841-page-images/p059.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7940b8d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p059.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p060.png b/21841-page-images/p060.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5282da2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p060.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p061.png b/21841-page-images/p061.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cf016bf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p061.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p062.png b/21841-page-images/p062.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2e5d69c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p062.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p063.png b/21841-page-images/p063.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..27a81ad
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p063.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p064.png b/21841-page-images/p064.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..03f2f0d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p064.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p065.png b/21841-page-images/p065.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..549b5e0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p065.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p066.png b/21841-page-images/p066.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ab46f4b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p066.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p067.png b/21841-page-images/p067.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e3629f3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p067.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p068.png b/21841-page-images/p068.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e56ab91
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p068.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p069.png b/21841-page-images/p069.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5143913
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p069.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p070.png b/21841-page-images/p070.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c4aef8f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p070.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p071.png b/21841-page-images/p071.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8442224
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p071.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p072.png b/21841-page-images/p072.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aa65c21
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p072.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p073.png b/21841-page-images/p073.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..421650d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p073.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p074.png b/21841-page-images/p074.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d53c1bb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p074.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p075.png b/21841-page-images/p075.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bfbc03f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p075.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p076.png b/21841-page-images/p076.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..35089a7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p076.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p077.png b/21841-page-images/p077.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1fd78ed
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p077.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p078.png b/21841-page-images/p078.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c90c131
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p078.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p079.png b/21841-page-images/p079.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2d49993
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p079.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p080.png b/21841-page-images/p080.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b8d35f7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p080.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p081.png b/21841-page-images/p081.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..672e3ba
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p081.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p082.png b/21841-page-images/p082.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b3d81e0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p082.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p083.png b/21841-page-images/p083.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d70d094
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p083.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p084.png b/21841-page-images/p084.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b92c2a4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p084.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p085.png b/21841-page-images/p085.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..74aa48e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p085.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p086.png b/21841-page-images/p086.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d5173df
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p086.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p087.png b/21841-page-images/p087.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c7f6be0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p087.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p088.png b/21841-page-images/p088.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..10350e5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p088.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p089.png b/21841-page-images/p089.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b34c02c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p089.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p090.png b/21841-page-images/p090.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a07789a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p090.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p091.png b/21841-page-images/p091.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fcbaccf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p091.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p092.png b/21841-page-images/p092.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1c71b32
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p092.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p093.png b/21841-page-images/p093.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b0149d7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p093.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p094.png b/21841-page-images/p094.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aae4dec
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p094.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p095.png b/21841-page-images/p095.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d7d85a4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p095.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p096.png b/21841-page-images/p096.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3a56171
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p096.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p097.png b/21841-page-images/p097.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..009decd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p097.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p098.png b/21841-page-images/p098.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c249b63
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p098.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p099.png b/21841-page-images/p099.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c8d8803
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p099.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p100.png b/21841-page-images/p100.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..200e1df
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p100.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p101.png b/21841-page-images/p101.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..39c4f24
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p101.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p102.png b/21841-page-images/p102.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2e07bbd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p102.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p103.png b/21841-page-images/p103.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8b731ef
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p103.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p104.png b/21841-page-images/p104.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e88159b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p104.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p105.png b/21841-page-images/p105.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..df76dc6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p105.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p106.png b/21841-page-images/p106.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..13bf892
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p106.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p107.png b/21841-page-images/p107.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4a8e15b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p107.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p108.png b/21841-page-images/p108.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ebfa067
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p108.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p109.png b/21841-page-images/p109.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c015156
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p109.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p110.png b/21841-page-images/p110.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..96e89ff
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p110.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p111.png b/21841-page-images/p111.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f52a0f1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p111.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p112.png b/21841-page-images/p112.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f220c35
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p112.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p113.png b/21841-page-images/p113.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4fb79bd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p113.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p114.png b/21841-page-images/p114.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..49e364c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p114.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p115.png b/21841-page-images/p115.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..af3cb9c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p115.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p116.png b/21841-page-images/p116.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ad65729
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p116.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p117.png b/21841-page-images/p117.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..316906d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p117.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p118.png b/21841-page-images/p118.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b397fd6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p118.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p119.png b/21841-page-images/p119.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e1cd47e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p119.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p120.png b/21841-page-images/p120.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8dd0571
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p120.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p121.png b/21841-page-images/p121.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7e78b14
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p121.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p122.png b/21841-page-images/p122.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..53813bf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p122.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p123.png b/21841-page-images/p123.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1055ddd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p123.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p124.png b/21841-page-images/p124.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8e6e67d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p124.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p125.png b/21841-page-images/p125.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0858815
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p125.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p126.png b/21841-page-images/p126.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a74e84a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p126.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p127.png b/21841-page-images/p127.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fe882ac
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p127.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p128.png b/21841-page-images/p128.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0224b3e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p128.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p129.png b/21841-page-images/p129.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8c18029
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p129.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p130.png b/21841-page-images/p130.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e2654af
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p130.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p131.png b/21841-page-images/p131.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..987f09b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p131.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p132.png b/21841-page-images/p132.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d968878
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p132.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p133.png b/21841-page-images/p133.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ce742d4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p133.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p134-insert.jpg b/21841-page-images/p134-insert.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2e94af8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p134-insert.jpg
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p134.png b/21841-page-images/p134.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9c925cd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p134.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p135.png b/21841-page-images/p135.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..553d302
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p135.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p136.png b/21841-page-images/p136.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ee28473
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p136.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p137.png b/21841-page-images/p137.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..796166e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p137.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p138.png b/21841-page-images/p138.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..be90082
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p138.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p139.png b/21841-page-images/p139.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..56e76c6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p139.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p140.png b/21841-page-images/p140.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ad0f07d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p140.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p141.png b/21841-page-images/p141.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4cc0e06
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p141.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p142.png b/21841-page-images/p142.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f2c02f9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p142.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p143.png b/21841-page-images/p143.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..585e515
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p143.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p144.png b/21841-page-images/p144.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..38408e2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p144.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p145.png b/21841-page-images/p145.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5fb1792
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p145.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p146.png b/21841-page-images/p146.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b0fb2fa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p146.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p147.png b/21841-page-images/p147.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1bf84f5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p147.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p148.png b/21841-page-images/p148.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3a7af40
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p148.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p149.png b/21841-page-images/p149.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e5284c1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p149.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p150.png b/21841-page-images/p150.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5be6eb4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p150.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p151.png b/21841-page-images/p151.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..508fa70
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p151.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p152.png b/21841-page-images/p152.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7d7618d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p152.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p153.png b/21841-page-images/p153.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..be0d662
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p153.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p154.png b/21841-page-images/p154.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8520093
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p154.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p155.png b/21841-page-images/p155.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..712b93c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p155.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p156.png b/21841-page-images/p156.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dad1bcb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p156.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p157.png b/21841-page-images/p157.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bb1285d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p157.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p158.png b/21841-page-images/p158.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..07b8cd0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p158.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p159.png b/21841-page-images/p159.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ccded87
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p159.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p160.png b/21841-page-images/p160.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9c093d1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p160.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p161.png b/21841-page-images/p161.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..61b0d4a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p161.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p162.png b/21841-page-images/p162.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e41bb85
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p162.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p163.png b/21841-page-images/p163.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..18edfc4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p163.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p164.png b/21841-page-images/p164.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f7bcf01
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p164.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p165.png b/21841-page-images/p165.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..863536f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p165.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p166.png b/21841-page-images/p166.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a8abee2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p166.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p167.png b/21841-page-images/p167.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..12d1490
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p167.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p168.png b/21841-page-images/p168.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..922896e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p168.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p169.png b/21841-page-images/p169.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fd1fc16
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p169.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p170.png b/21841-page-images/p170.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..18d9f35
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p170.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p171.png b/21841-page-images/p171.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9b8bc72
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p171.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p172.png b/21841-page-images/p172.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b6ae4a1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p172.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p173.png b/21841-page-images/p173.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..baaaccd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p173.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p174.png b/21841-page-images/p174.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7b3b685
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p174.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p175.png b/21841-page-images/p175.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..82a96ce
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p175.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p176.png b/21841-page-images/p176.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0467455
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p176.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p177.png b/21841-page-images/p177.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f62e692
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p177.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p178.png b/21841-page-images/p178.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..94a9cdd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p178.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p179.png b/21841-page-images/p179.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..08fdef9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p179.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p180.png b/21841-page-images/p180.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5f1ccbb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p180.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p181.png b/21841-page-images/p181.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4512fd8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p181.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p182.png b/21841-page-images/p182.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5bca023
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p182.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p183.png b/21841-page-images/p183.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f439cf0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p183.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p184.png b/21841-page-images/p184.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4e4f5b8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p184.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p185.png b/21841-page-images/p185.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e3aff5c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p185.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p186.png b/21841-page-images/p186.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5170f91
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p186.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p187.png b/21841-page-images/p187.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..920cbf2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p187.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p188.png b/21841-page-images/p188.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7372ea8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p188.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p189.png b/21841-page-images/p189.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9b54d01
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p189.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p190.png b/21841-page-images/p190.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9610758
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p190.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p191.png b/21841-page-images/p191.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9b7b865
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p191.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p192.png b/21841-page-images/p192.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..54a835b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p192.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p193.png b/21841-page-images/p193.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bd8ffbc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p193.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p194.png b/21841-page-images/p194.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a950483
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p194.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p195.png b/21841-page-images/p195.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d99e02d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p195.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p196.png b/21841-page-images/p196.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5540adf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p196.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p197.png b/21841-page-images/p197.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..29feeaa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p197.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p198.png b/21841-page-images/p198.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..706d803
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p198.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p199.png b/21841-page-images/p199.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..726532e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p199.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p200.png b/21841-page-images/p200.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b51106f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p200.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p201.png b/21841-page-images/p201.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e8485dc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p201.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p202.png b/21841-page-images/p202.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7c2fd6d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p202.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p203.png b/21841-page-images/p203.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..96730c4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p203.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p204.png b/21841-page-images/p204.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..78a31bc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p204.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p205.png b/21841-page-images/p205.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5b6714d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p205.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p206.png b/21841-page-images/p206.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4c2f31d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p206.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p207.png b/21841-page-images/p207.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9809bf7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p207.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p208.png b/21841-page-images/p208.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aa7a164
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p208.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p209.png b/21841-page-images/p209.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9ced0f5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p209.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p210.png b/21841-page-images/p210.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b108bdc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p210.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p211.png b/21841-page-images/p211.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f90ac78
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p211.png
diff --git a/21841-page-images/p212.png b/21841-page-images/p212.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..920c7fb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841-page-images/p212.png
diff --git a/21841.txt b/21841.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f08bbe8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,6113 @@
+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Saddle Boys in the Grand Canyon, by James
+Carson
+
+
+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: The Saddle Boys in the Grand Canyon
+       or The Hermit of the Cave
+
+
+Author: James Carson
+
+
+
+Release Date: June 15, 2007  [eBook #21841]
+[Last updated: March 10, 2011]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SADDLE BOYS IN THE GRAND
+CANYON***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Mark C. Orton, Thomas Strong, Linda McKeown, and the
+Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+(https://www.pgdp.net)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustration.
+      See 21841-h.htm or 21841-h.zip:
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/1/8/4/21841/21841-h/21841-h.htm)
+      or
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/1/8/4/21841/21841-h.zip)
+
+
+
+
+
+THE SADDLE BOYS IN THE GRAND CANYON
+
+Or
+
+The Hermit of the Cave
+
+by
+
+CAPTAIN JAMES CARSON
+
+Author of "The Saddle Boys of the Rockies," "The Saddle
+Boys on the Plains," "The Saddle Boys at
+Circle Ranch," Etc.
+
+Illustrated
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+New York
+Cupples & Leon Company
+Publishers
+
+
+     *     *     *     *     *     *
+
+
+                BOOKS FOR BOYS
+
+           BY CAPTAIN JAMES CARSON
+
+
+            THE SADDLE BOYS SERIES
+
+           12mo. Cloth. Illustrated.
+
+
+       THE SADDLE BOYS OF THE ROCKIES
+         Or, Lost On Thunder Mountain
+
+       THE SADDLE BOYS IN THE GRAND CANYON
+         Or, The Hermit of the Cave
+
+       THE SADDLE BOYS ON THE PLAINS
+         Or, After a Treasure of Gold
+
+       THE SADDLE BOYS AT CIRCLE RANCH
+         Or, In At The Grand Round-Up
+
+    CUPPLES & LEON CO PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK.
+
+
+     *     *     *     *     *     *
+
+
+Copyrighted 1913, by
+Cupples & Leon Company
+
+THE SADDLE BOYS IN THE GRAND CANYON
+
+Printed in U.S.A.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+CHAPTER                                                           PAGE
+
+    I. THE WORK OF THE WOLF PACK                                     1
+
+   II. RIDDING THE RANGE OF A PEST                                  11
+
+  III. THE FLOATING BOTTLE                                          21
+
+   IV. THE LISTENER UNDER THE WINDOW                                34
+
+    V. STARTING FOR THE GRAND CANYON                                46
+
+   VI. BUCKSKIN ON GUARD                                            54
+
+  VII. STANDING BY THE LAW                                          62
+
+ VIII. THE MOQUI WHO WAS CAUGHT NAPPING                             71
+
+   IX. "TALK ABOUT LUCK!"                                           79
+
+    X. THE COPPER-COLORED MESSENGER                                 87
+
+   XI. AT THE GRAND CANYON                                          98
+
+  XII. HOW THE LITTLE TRAP WORKED                                  105
+
+ XIII. GOING DOWN THE CANYON TRAIL                                 116
+
+  XIV. THE HOME OF THE CLIFF DWELLERS                              124
+
+   XV. THE TREACHEROUS GUIDE                                       135
+
+  XVI. A WONDERFUL DISCOVERY                                       143
+
+ XVII. THE WINDOWS IN THE ROCKY WALLS                              151
+
+XVIII. FINDING A WAY UP                                            158
+
+  XIX. FORTUNE STILL FAVORS THE BRAVE                              167
+
+   XX. ANOTHER SURPRISE                                            175
+
+  XXI. THE LITTLE OLD MAN OF ECHO CAVE                             184
+
+ XXII. TURNING THE TABLES--CONCLUSION                              195
+
+
+
+
+THE SADDLE BOYS IN THE GRAND CANYON
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE WORK OF THE WOLF PACK
+
+
+"Hold up, Bob!"
+
+"Any signs of the lame yearling, Frank?"
+
+"Well, there seems to be something over yonder to the west; but the sage
+crops up, and interferes a little with my view."
+
+"Here, take the field glasses and look; while I cinch my saddle girth,
+which has loosened again."
+
+Frank Haywood adjusted the glasses to his eye. Then, rising in his
+saddle, he gazed long and earnestly in the direction he had indicated.
+Meanwhile his companion, also a lad, a native of Kentucky, and answering
+to the name of Bob Archer, busied himself about the band of his saddle,
+having leaped to the ground.
+
+Frank was the only son of a rancher and mine owner, Colonel Leonidas
+Haywood, who was a man of some wealth. Frank had blue eyes, and
+tawny-colored hair; and, since much of his life had been spent on the
+plains among the cattle men, he knew considerable about the ways of
+cowboys and hunters, though always ready to pick up information from
+veterans of the trail.
+
+Bob had come to the far Southwest as a tenderfoot; but, being quick to
+learn, he hoped to graduate from that class after a while. Having always
+been fond of outdoor sports in his Kentucky home, he was, at least, no
+greenhorn. When he came to the new country where his father was
+interested with Frank's in mining ventures, Bob had brought his favorite
+Kentucky horse, a coal-black stallion known as "Domino," and which vied
+with Frank's native "Buckskin" in good qualities.
+
+These two lads were so much abroad on horseback that they had become
+known as the "Saddle Boys." They loved nothing better than to ride the
+plains, mounted on their pet steeds, and go almost everywhere the
+passing whim tempted them.
+
+Of course, in that wonderland there was always a chance for adventure
+when one did much wandering; and that Frank and Bob saw their share of
+excitement can be readily understood. Some of the strange things that
+happened to them have already been narrated in the first volume of this
+series, "The Saddle Boys of the Rockies, Or, Lost on Thunder Mountain,"
+and which, in a way, is an introduction to the present story. In the
+first book the boys cleared up a wonderful mystery concerning a great
+cavern.
+
+For several minutes Bob was busily engaged with the saddle girth that
+had been giving him considerable trouble on this gallop.
+
+"There," he remarked, finally, throwing down the flap as though
+satisfied with his work. "I reckon I've got it fixed now so that it will
+hold through the day; but I need a new girth, and when we pull up again
+at Circle Ranch I'll see about getting it. Oh! did you make out anything
+with the glasses, Frank?"
+
+He sprang into the saddle like one who had spent much of his time on
+horseback. Domino curvetted and pranced a little, being still full of
+mettle and spirits; but a very firm hand held him in.
+
+"Take the glass, and see if you can make out what it is," Frank
+remarked, as if he hardly knew himself, or felt like trusting his eyes.
+
+A minute later Bob lowered the glasses.
+
+"There's something on the ground, and I can catch a glimpse of what
+looks like a dun-colored hide through the tufts of buffalo grass. The
+yearling was red, you said, Frank? All right. Then I reckon we'll find
+her there; but not on her feet."
+
+"Come on!"
+
+As he said these curt words Frank let Buckskin have his head; and,
+accompanied by his chum, started at a full gallop over the level, in the
+direction of the spot where the dun-colored object had been sighted.
+
+Shortly afterward they topped a little rise, and pulled up. No need to
+doubt their eyes now. Just before them lay the mangled remains of the
+lame yearling, very little being left to tell the story of how the
+animal had met its fate.
+
+"Wolves!" said Frank, gloomily, as he sat looking down at the torn hide.
+
+"I don't know the signs as well as you, Frank, but I'd say the same from
+general indications. And they had a royal good feast, too. This makes a
+round half dozen head your father has lost in the last month, doesn't
+it?" asked Bob.
+
+"Seven, all told. When Bart Heminway told me he had noticed that one of
+those fine yearlings seemed lame, I wondered if something wasn't going
+to happen to it soon. And then, when we missed it from the herd last
+night, I guessed what had come about. They caught her behind the rest,
+and pulled her down. The poor thing didn't have a ghost of a show
+against that pack of savage wolf-dogs."
+
+"I'd like to have just one chance at them, that's all," grumbled Bob, as
+he let his hand fondle the butt of a modern repeating rifle, which he
+carried fastened to his saddle.
+
+"This is sure the limit, and it's just got to stop!" declared Frank,
+grimly.
+
+"Right now?" queried his chum, eagerly.
+
+Two pairs of flashing eyes met, the black ones sending a challenge
+toward the blue.
+
+"Why not?" said Frank, shutting his jaws hard, "the day is before us
+still; and we're well primed for the business of hunting that pack to
+their den. Look at that bunch of rocks a few miles off; that must be
+where they hang out, Bob! Queer that none of the boys have ever thought
+of hunting in this quarter for that old she-wolf Sallie, and her brood."
+
+"Then you think she did it, do you?" asked Bob.
+
+"Sure she did. You can see for yourself where her jaws closed on the
+throat of the poor yearling. Everybody knows her trademark. That sly
+beast has been the bane of the cattle ranches around here for several
+years. They got to calling her Sallie in fun; but it's been serious
+business lately; and many a cowboy'd ride two hundred miles for a chance
+to knock her over."
+
+"And yet none of the rough riders have even thought to search that rocky
+pile for her den, you say?" Bob continued.
+
+"Why, you see, the killings have always been in other directions," Frank
+explained. "Just as shrewd animals often do, up to now Sallie has never
+pulled down a calf anywhere near her den. I reckon she just knew it
+might cause a search. But this time she's either grown over-bold, or
+else the pack started to do the business in spite of her, and she was
+forced into the game."
+
+"Well, shall we head for that elevation, and see what we can find?"
+asked Bob, who was inclined to be a little impatient.
+
+"Wait a bit. It would be ten times better if we could only track the
+greedy pack direct; but that's a hard proposition, here on the open,"
+Frank observed.
+
+"Well, what can we do then?" his chum asked.
+
+"Perhaps put it in the hands of the best trailer in Arizona," and with a
+laugh Frank pointed off to the left.
+
+The Kentucky boy turned his head in surprise, and then exclaimed:
+
+"Old Hank Coombs, on his pony, as sure as anything! You knew he was
+coming along all the while, and just kept mum. But I'm sure glad to see
+the old cowman right now. And it may turn out to be a day of reckoning
+for that cunning Sallie, and her half grown cubs."
+
+The two lads waved their range hats, and sent out a salute that was
+readily answered by the advancing cowman. Hank Coombs was indeed a
+veteran in the cattle line, having been one of the very first to throw a
+rope, and "mill" stampeding steers in Texas, and farther to the west.
+
+He was an angular old fellow, grim looking in his greasy leather
+"chaps;" but with a twinkle in his eyes that told of the spirit of fun
+that had never been quenched by the passage of time.
+
+"Howdy, boys," he called out, as he drew rein alongside the two lads.
+"What's this here yer lookin' at? Another dead calf? No, I swan if it
+ain't a yearling as has been pulled down now. Things seem t' be gittin'
+t' a warm pass when sech doin' air allowed. Huh! an' it looks like
+Sallie's work, too! That sly ole critter is goin' t' git t' the end of
+her rope some fine day."
+
+"Why not to-day, Hank?" demanded Frank, briskly.
+
+The veteran grinned, as though he had half anticipated having such a
+question asked.
+
+"So, that's the way the wind blows, hey?" he remarked, slowly; and then
+he nodded his small head approvingly. "Jest as you say, Frank, thar's no
+time like the present t' do things. The hull pack hes been here, I see,
+an' no matter how cunning old Sallie allers shows herself, a chain's
+only as strong as th' weakest link. One of her cubs will sure leave
+tracks we kin foller. All right, boys count on me t' back ye up. I'll go
+wharever ye say, Frank."
+
+"We'll follow the trail, if there is one," said Frank, instantly; "but
+the chances are that's where we'll bring up," and he pointed with his
+quirt in the direction of the rocky uplift that stood like a landmark
+in the midst of the great level sea of purple sage brush, marking the
+plain.
+
+After one good look the cowman nodded his head again in the affirmative.
+
+"Reckon as how y'r' right, Frank," he remarked; "but we'll see how the
+trail heads."
+
+Throwing himself from his saddle he bent down over the remains of the
+yearling that had been so unfortunate as to become lame, and thus,
+lagging far behind the rest of the herd, fallen a victim to the wolf
+pack.
+
+"Easy as fallin' off a log," announced old Hank, immediately. "Jest as I
+was sayin', thar's nearly allers one clumsy cub as don't hev half sense;
+an' I kin foller this trail on horseback, 'pears to me."
+
+He ran it out a little way; then, once more mounting, went on ahead,
+with his keen eyes fastened on the ground.
+
+Bob watched his actions with the greatest of interest. He knew Old Hank
+was discovering a dozen signs that would be utterly invisible to one who
+had not had many years of practice in tracking both wild animals and
+human beings.
+
+Now and then the trailer would draw in his horse, as though desirous of
+looking more carefully at the ground. Twice he even dropped off and bent
+low, to make positive his belief.
+
+"I reckon you were right, Frank," remarked Bob, after half an hour of
+this sort of travel "because, you see, even if the trail did lead away
+from the rocks at first, it's heading that way now on a straight line."
+
+"Thet was only the cuteness of the ole wolf," said Hank. "She's up t'
+all the dodges goin'. But that comes a day of reckonin' for all her
+kind; an' her's orter be showin' up right soon."
+
+When another half hour passed the three riders had reached the border of
+the strange pile of rocks. And as Frank looked up at the rough heap,
+with its many crevices and angles, he considered that it certainly must
+offer an ideal den to any wild beast wishing to hide through the
+daytime, and prowl forth when darkness and night lay upon the land.
+
+"Here's whar the trail ends at the rocks," said Hank, as he dismounted
+and threw the bridle over the head of his horse, cowboy fashion, knowing
+that under ordinary conditions the animal would remain there, just as if
+hobbled, or staked out.
+
+Both of the saddle boys followed his example, and, holding their rifles
+ready, prepared to search the rocks for some trace of the wolf den. Wild
+animals may be very cunning about locating their retreat in a place
+where it will be hidden from the eye of a casual passer; but, in course
+of time, they cannot prevent signs from accumulating, calculated to
+betray its presence to one who is keenly on the watch.
+
+The three searchers had not been moving back and forth among the piles
+of rocks more than ten minutes when Old Hank was observed to raise his
+head, smile, and sniff the air with more or less eagerness.
+
+"Must be close by, boys," he said, positively. "I kin git the rank odor
+that allers hangs 'round the den of wild animals as brings meat home,
+an' leaves the bones. The air is a-comin' from that quarter, an' chances
+are we'll find the hole sumwhar over yonder."
+
+"I think I see it," said Frank, eagerly. "Just above that little spur
+there's a black looking crevice in the rock."
+
+"As dark as my hat," added Hank; "an' I reckon as how that's whar Sallie
+lives when she's t' home. Now t' invite ourselves int' her leetle
+parlor, boys!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+RIDDING THE RANGE OF A PEST
+
+
+"Well, what do you think now, Frank?" asked Bob, as they stood in front
+of that gloomy looking crevice, and observed the marks of many claws
+upon the discolored rock, where hairy bodies had drawn themselves along
+countless times.
+
+"I'm wondering," the other replied; "what ails our boys at the ranch
+never to have suspected that old Sallie had her den, and raised her
+broods, so close to the Circle Ranch. Why, right now we're not more'n
+ten miles, as the crow flies, away from home. And for years this
+terrible she-wolf has lived on the calves and partly grown animals
+belonging to cattlemen in this neck of the land. It makes me tired to
+think of it!"
+
+"But Frank, it's a long lane that has no turning," remarked Bob; "and
+just now we've got to the bend. Sallie has invited her fate once too
+often. That lame yearling is going to spell her finish, if Old Hank here
+has his way."
+
+"It sure is," agreed Frank. "And when we get back home with the hide of
+that old pest fastened to a saddle, the boys will be some sore to think
+how anyone of the lot might have done the job, if they'd only turned
+this way."
+
+"But what's Hank going to do?" asked the Kentucky boy, watching the
+veteran cow-puncher searching on the ground under a stunted pinon tree
+that chanced to grow where there was a small bit of soil among the
+rocks.
+
+"I don't know for a dead certainty," replied the other; "but I rather
+think he's picking up some pieces of wood that might make good torches."
+
+"Whew! then he means that we're to go into the cave, and get our
+game--is that it, Frank?" demanded the other, unconsciously tightening
+his grip on his rifle, as he glanced once more toward that yawning
+crevice, leading to unknown depths, where the wolf pack lurked during
+the daytime to issue forth when night came around.
+
+"That would be just like the old chap, for he knows nothing of fear,"
+Frank replied; "but of course there's no necessity for _both_ of us to
+go with him. One might remain here, so as to knock over any stray beast
+that managed to escape the attention of those who went in."
+
+"All right; where will you take up your stand, Frank?" asked Bob,
+instantly; at which his chum laughed, as though tickled.
+
+"So you think I'd consent to stay out here tamely, while you two were
+having a regular circus in there?" he remarked. "That would never suit
+me. And it's easy to see that you count on a ticket of admission to
+Sallie's parlor, too. Well, then, we'll all go, and share in the danger,
+as well as the sport. For to rid the range country of this pest I
+consider the greatest favor under the sun. But there comes Hank with a
+bundle of torches under his arm."
+
+"We're off, then!" chuckled Bob.
+
+"Make sure o' yer guns, lads," said the cowman, as he came up; "because,
+in a case like this, when ye want t' shoot it's apt t' be in a hurry.
+An' anybody as knows what a fierce critter ole Sallie is, kin tell ye
+it'll take an ounce of lead, put in the right place, t' down her fur
+keeps."
+
+"I'm ready," Frank assured the old hunter.
+
+"Then, jest as soon's I kin git this flare goin' we'll push in." Hank
+announced.
+
+"Will we be able to see the game with such a poor light?" asked Bob, a
+trifle nervously, as his mind went back to school days, to remember what
+he had read of that old Revolutionary patriot, Israel Putnam, entering a
+wolf's den alone, and killing the beast in open fight; truth to tell Bob
+had never seen a real den in which wild beasts hid from the sun; and
+imagination doubled its perils in his mind.
+
+"Fust thing ye see'll be some yaller eyes starin' at ye outen the
+dark," said Hank, obligingly. "Then, when I gives the word, both of ye
+let go, aimin' direct atween the yaller spots."
+
+"But what if we miss, and the beast attacks us?" Bob went on, wishing to
+be thoroughly posted before venturing into that hole.
+
+"In case of a mix-up," the veteran went on; "every feller is for
+hisself; only, recerlect thar mustn't be any shootin' at close quarters.
+Use yer knives, or else swat her over the head with yer clubbed guns.
+We're bound t' git Sallie this time, by hook er by crook! Ready, son?"
+
+Both boys declared that they had no reason for delaying matters. Since
+it had been decided as best to invade the wolf den, the sooner they
+started, the better.
+
+True, Bob thought that had it been left to him, he would have first
+tried to smoke out the occupants of the cleft, waiting near by to shoot
+them down as they rushed out of the depths. But then Hank was directing
+matters now, and whatever he said must be done.
+
+Besides, Hank had known wolves ever since he first "toted" a gun, now
+more than fifty-five years ago. Perhaps he understood how difficult it
+is to smoke out a pack of wolves, that invariably seek a cave with a
+depth sufficient to get away from all the influences of the smudge.
+
+Without the slightest hesitation Old Hank got down on hands and knees,
+and began to crawl into the gaping mouth of the crevice.
+
+It did not go straight in, but seemed to twist around more or less. All
+the while the two boys kept close at the heels of the guide who carried
+that flaring torch. They watched ahead to detect the first sign of the
+enemy; and had their ears on the alert with the same idea in view.
+
+Stronger grew the odor that invariably marks the den of carnivorous
+animals.
+
+"We ought to stir her up soon now, Frank," whispered Bob, on whom the
+strain was bearing hard, since he was not used to anything of this sort.
+
+"Yes, unless the sly old beast has a back door to her home; how about
+that, Hank?" asked the cattleman's son.
+
+"Don't reckon as how it's so," came the ready response. "In thet event,
+we'd feel a breath of fresh air; an' ye knows as how we don't. Stiddy
+boys, keep yer wits about ye! She's clost by, now!"
+
+"I heard a growl!" admitted Bob.
+
+"And there were whines too, from the half grown cubs," ventured Frank.
+
+"Once we turn this bend just ahead, likely enough we'll be in the mess,"
+Bob remarked.
+
+"Range on both sides of me, boys," directed Hank, halting, so that they
+could overtake him; because he knew full well that the crisis of this
+bold invasion of the she-wolf's den was near at hand.
+
+In this fashion, then, the three turned the rocky corner.
+
+"I see the yellow eyes!" whispered Bob, beginning to bring his gun-stock
+nearer to his shoulder. "Say, there's a whole raft of 'em, Frank!"
+
+"Sure," came the quick reply, close to his ear. "Hank said there was
+about five of the brood. Hold your fire, Bob. Pick out the mother wolf
+first."
+
+"That's what I want to do; but how can I make sure?" demanded the
+Kentucky lad, trying his best to keep his hands from trembling with
+excitement.
+
+He had sunk down upon one knee. This allowed him to rest his elbow on
+the knee that was in position, always a favorite attitude with Bob when
+using a rifle.
+
+"Take the eyes that are above all the rest, and which seem so much
+larger and fiercer. Are you on, Bob?" continued the other, who was also
+handling his gun with all the eagerness of a sportsman.
+
+"Yes," came the firm reply.
+
+"Then let her go!"
+
+The last word was drowned in a terrific roar, for when a gun is fired
+in confined space the din is tremendous. Even as he pulled the trigger
+Bob knew that luck was against him; for the animal had moved at a time
+when he could not delay the pressure of his finger.
+
+He heard a second report close beside him. Frank had also fired,
+realizing what had occurred, and that in all probability the first
+bullet would only wound the savage beast, without putting an end to her
+activities.
+
+The torch went sputtering to the floor of the cave, having been knocked
+from the hand of Hank when the wolf struck him heavily. He could be
+heard trying to rescue it before it went completely out, all the while
+letting off a volley of whoops and directions.
+
+Fortunately Frank had kept his wits about him. And his rifle was still
+gripped firmly in his hands, he having instantly pumped a new cartridge
+into the chamber after firing. The half grown cubs showed an inclination
+to follow their mother in her headlong attack on the human invaders of
+the den; for the numerous gleaming pairs of eyes were undoubtedly
+advancing when Frank turned his gun loose on them.
+
+The din was simply terrific. Bob was more concerned with the possibility
+of an attack from the ferocious mother wolf then anything else. He had
+lost track of her after that first furious rush, and crouching there,
+was trying the best he knew how to locate the creature again.
+
+Meanwhile Old Hank had succeeded in picking up the torch, which, being
+held in an upright position, began to shed a fair amount of light once
+more.
+
+Not seeing anything else at which he could fire, Bob now started in to
+assist his chum get rid of the ugly whelps that were advancing,
+growling, snarling, and in various other ways proving how they had
+inherited the fearless nature of the beast that had nursed them in that
+den.
+
+Perhaps it was all one-sided, since the animals never had a chance to
+get in touch with the invaders. Neither of the boys ever felt very proud
+of the work; but in view of the tremendous amount of damage a pack of
+hungry wolves can do on a cattle ranch, or in a sheepfold, they had no
+scruples concerning the matter. Besides, every one along the Arizona
+border hated a wolf almost as badly as they did a cowardly coyote; for
+while the former may be bolder than the beast that slinks across the
+desert looking for carrion, its capacity for mischief is a good many
+times as great.
+
+"I don't see any more eyes, Frank!" called out Bob, presently, as he
+tried to penetrate the cloud of powder-smoke that surrounded both of
+them.
+
+"That's because we got 'em all, I reckon," replied his chum. "How about
+that, Hank?"
+
+"Cleaned the hull brood out, son," replied the other, chuckling; "an' no
+mistake about it either."
+
+"But where did the big one go to; has she escaped after all?" asked Bob,
+with a note of regret in his voice; for he thought the blame would be
+placed on him, for having made a poor shot when he had such a splendid
+chance to finish the animal.
+
+"Oh! I wouldn't worry myself about her, Bob," chuckled Frank, who had
+already made a discovery; and as he spoke he pointed to a spot close by,
+where, huddled in a heap, lay the heavy body of the fiercest cattle
+thief known for years along the border.
+
+"She was mortally hurted by the fust shot," said Hank, as they stood
+over the gaunt animal, and surveyed her proportions with almost a touch
+of awe; "but seemed like the critter had enough strength left t' make
+thet leap, as nigh knocked me flat. Then she jest keeled over, an' guv
+up the ghost. Arter this the young heifers kin stray away from their
+mother's sides, without bein' dragged off. Thar'll be a vote o' thanks
+sent ter ye, Bob, from every ranch inside of fifty mile, 'cause of what
+ye did when ye pulled trigger this day."
+
+Hank, being an experienced worker, did not take very long to secure the
+pelt of the dead terror of the desert. Then they left the rocks, finding
+their horses just where they had left them.
+
+All of the animals showed signs of alarm when they scented the skin of
+the wolf; and Domino in particular pranced and snorted at a great rate
+since his education had been neglected in this particular. So Hank,
+having the best trained steed in the bunch, insisted on carrying the
+pelt with him on their return trip to the ranch.
+
+Ten miles, as the crow flies, and they would be at home; and with
+comparatively fresh steeds, that should not count for more than an
+hour's gallop.
+
+Before they had gone three miles, however, Bob called the attention of
+his chum to a horseman who was galloping toward them. It was a cowboy,
+and he waved his broad-brimmed hat over his head as he came sweeping
+forward.
+
+"Is he doing stunts; or does he want us?" asked Bob.
+
+"It's Ted Conway," replied Frank, with a sudden look of anxiety; "one of
+the steadiest boys at the ranch; and he acts as if something had
+happened at home!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE FLOATING BOTTLE
+
+
+Waving his hat after the extravagant manner of his kind, the cowboy
+swept constantly nearer the little party. Indeed, it was impossible for
+them to guess whether Ted Conway bore a message, or was simply delighted
+to see the son of his employer, and his chum.
+
+Presently he reached the constantly advancing trio, and under the pull
+of the reins his pony reared upon its hind legs.
+
+"What's wrong, Ted?" asked Frank, immediately.
+
+"Wanted at the ranch, Frank," came the answer. "The boss has sent me out
+to look you up on the jump. Told me as how you started out on a gallop
+this way, an' I took chances. Reckon I was some lucky to strike you so
+easy."
+
+"But what has happened, Ted?" insisted the boy, trying to read the
+bronzed face of the other, and get a hint as to whether his mission
+verged on the serious or not.
+
+It was so very unusual for Colonel Haywood to send anyone out to find
+him, that Frank's suspicions were naturally aroused.
+
+"Well, the Colonel had a little tumble with that game leg of his--same
+one that the steer fell on, and broke two years back, in the big
+round-up--" began the cowboy, when Frank interrupted him.
+
+"Then he must have been seriously hurt this time, or he wouldn't send
+you out for me. Tell me the worst, Ted; you ought to realize that it's
+better for me to know it all in the start, than by degrees. Is my father
+dead?"
+
+"No. Last I seen of the Colonel, he was a real live man; only he had his
+leg done up agin in splints; an' the ole doc. from the Arrowhead Ranch
+was thar, 'tending to him. No, it ain't on count of his leetle trouble
+with that leg that made him send me out huntin' for you, Frank."
+
+"What then?" demanded the boy, curtly; but with a sigh of relief, for
+his father was very dear to him.
+
+"Thar come a messenger to the ranch a while ago, an' somethin' he
+fetched along with him, 'peared to excite the boss right from the word
+go," Ted admitted.
+
+"A messenger, Ted?" the boy echoed, wonderingly.
+
+"Never seen him afore, an' think he kim from town," the new arrival went
+on to say. "Leastwise, he looked like a stray maverick, an' had a
+b'iled shirt, with a collar that I reckoned sure would choke him. Atween
+you an' me I tried to get him to chuck the same; but he only grinned,
+an' allowed he could stand it."
+
+"Oh! a messenger from town, was it?" said Frank, with a relieved look.
+"Then the chances are it must have been some business connected with a
+shipment of cattle. Perhaps the railroad has had a bad wreck, and wants
+to settle for that last bunch we sent away."
+
+But Ted shook his head in the negative.
+
+"'T'wan't no railroad man; that I know," he affirmed, positively.
+"'Sides, the boss was holdin' of a bottle in his hand, an' seemed to set
+a heap of store by it."
+
+"A bottle, Ted?" cried Frank, deeply interested.
+
+"That's what," replied the cowboy, energetically. "But jest why he
+should reckon such a thing wuth shucks I can't tell ye. But he sent me
+out to bring you back to the ranch house like two-forty. I seen that he
+was plumb locoed, and some excited by the news, whatever it might be."
+
+Frank looked at his chum in a puzzled way, and shook his head.
+
+"I don't seem able to make head or tail of this business, Bob," he
+remarked; "but there's only one thing to be done, and that's to romp
+home on the gallop. So away we go with a rush. Who's after me! Hi! get
+long, Buckskin! It's a race for a treat of oats as a prize! Here you
+are, Bob; hit up the pace!"
+
+With the words Frank gave his horse free rein, and went tearing over the
+level plain, headed as straight for the distant ranch as though he were
+a bird far up in the clear air, and could see to make a direct line "as
+the crow flies!"
+
+And after a time, in the distance, they saw the whitewashed outbuildings
+of Circle Ranch. Frank never viewed the familiar and dearly loved scene
+with more anxiety than he did now; but so far as he could see there did
+not appear to be anything out of the ordinary taking place around the
+ranch house.
+
+"Looks all right, Bob!" exclaimed Frank, as though a great load had been
+taken from his heart.
+
+The sudden coming of Ted Conway, with that queer message that meant a
+hurried return, had mystified the boy not a little. But he knew that all
+would soon be made plain now, since they were nearly home.
+
+Dashing up in front of the house, the two lads jumped to the ground
+almost before their mounts had come to a halt. The door was open, and
+Frank led the way in a headlong rush.
+
+As they entered he saw his father seated in his comfortable easy-chair,
+with that unfortunate leg, that had given him more or less trouble for
+two years now, propped on another seat, and bound up.
+
+There was a stranger with him, but no sign of the Arrowhead Ranch cowboy
+doctor; which would indicate that, having done his duty, the roving
+physician and bone-setter had returned to his regular business, which
+was roping and branding cattle.
+
+Colonel Haywood was a man in the prime of life. Up to the time that
+clumsy steer had broken his leg he had been most active; but since then
+he had not been able to get around on his feet so well, though able to
+ride fairly comfortably.
+
+"Hello! Frank, my boy!" he exclaimed, as the two came rushing in. "So
+Ted managed to round you up in great style; did he? Well, I always said
+Ted was the sharpest fellow on the range when it came to finding things.
+Where have you been to-day?"
+
+"Doing a little missionary work for the country," replied Frank,
+smiling. "We came across that lame pet yearling, the dun-colored one you
+thought so much of; and there was mighty little left of the poor beast
+but a torn hide, not worth lifting."
+
+"Huh! wolves again!" exclaimed the stock-raiser, with a frown.
+
+"Sure thing, sir," Frank went on. "We saw a heap of signs that told us
+our old friend, Sallie, with the broken tooth, had been on the job
+again. But that was the last of our beef the old lady'll ever taste, or
+anybody else's, for that matter."
+
+"What's that? Did you sight her, and get a shot?" demanded the pleased
+rancher, forgetting his broken leg in his excitement, and making a
+movement that immediately caused him to give a grunt, and settle back
+again.
+
+"Old Hank happened to run across our trail just then," Frank continued;
+"and we made up our minds to track the beast to her lair. Where do you
+suppose we found it, dad, but in the big bunch of rocks that lies about
+ten miles to the west?"
+
+"You surprise me; but go on, tell me the rest, and then I'm going to let
+you in on something that will open your eyes a little," remarked the
+stockman.
+
+"Oh! there isn't much more to tell, dad," the boy hastened to say, for
+he was eager to learn what all this mystery meant. "We found the
+opening, easy enough, and made up our minds to crawl in after Sallie,
+the whole three of us. So Hank picked up some wood for a flare, and in
+we went."
+
+"And you found her home? You met with a warm reception, I warrant!" the
+other exclaimed, his eyes kindling with pride as he saw the quiet,
+confident air with which Frank rattled off his story.
+
+"Sallie was in, ditto five of her half-grown brood, and all full of
+fight," the boy continued. "But of course they didn't have a ghost of a
+show against our two repeating rifles. Hank held the torch, and Bob
+fired first. Then the brute jumped, and nearly got Hank, who lost the
+flare for a few seconds. We keeled over the ugly whelps as they started
+for us; and later on found old Sallie, just as she had dropped. That big
+jump was her last."
+
+"Well, I'm glad to hear that, son," declared the rancher, who had
+suffered long and seriously from the depredations of that sly animal and
+her various broods, despite all efforts to locate her, and put an end to
+her attacks.
+
+"I'm glad you're pleased with what we did," Frank remarked.
+
+"It will mean a lot to all honest ranchmen in this section," continued
+the cattleman. "With Sallie gone, we can hope to raise a record herd the
+coming season, without keeping men constantly on the watch, day and
+night, for a slinking thief that defied our best efforts. Shake hands,
+Bob, and let me congratulate you on making the shot that ended the
+loping of the worst pest this country has known in five years."
+
+"But when Ted came whirling along, shouting, and waving his hat, to tell
+us you wanted me back home on the jump, it gave me a bad feeling, dad;
+especially when I heard that you'd gone and hurt that leg again!" Frank
+cried, as he, too, seized the other hand of his father, and squeezed it
+affectionately.
+
+"But I told Ted to be sure and let you know that it was not on account
+of my new upset that I wanted you back," declared the ranchman,
+frowning.
+
+"Yes, he delivered the message all right, dad; but all the same I was
+bothered a heap, let me tell you," Frank went on. "And now, please, tell
+us what it's all about; won't you; and what this gentleman has to do
+with it; also the bottle Ted said you were handling?"
+
+At that Colonel Haywood smiled, and looked up at the stranger.
+
+"This is a Mr. Hinchman, Frank," he remarked. "He lives in a small place
+on the great Colorado River called Mohave City. And one day, not long
+ago, a man who was fishing on the river at a place where an eddy set in,
+found a curious bottle floating, that was sealed with red wax on the
+top, and seemed to contain only a piece of paper. This is the bottle,"
+and as he spoke he opened a drawer of the desk, and drew out the flask
+in question.
+
+Frank took it, and turned it around. So far as he could see it was an
+ordinary bottle. It contained no cork, but there were signs of sealing
+wax around the top.
+
+"Mr. Hinchman, is, I believe," the ranchman went on, "though he has been
+too modest to say so himself, a gentleman of some importance in Mohave
+City, which accounted for the fisherman fetching his queer find to him.
+The bottle had evidently come down the great river, perhaps for one or
+two hundred miles, escaping destruction from contact with rocks in a
+marvelous manner, and finally falling into the hands of one who had both
+the time and the curiosity to examine its sealed contents."
+
+Colonel Haywood thereupon took up a small piece of paper from the pad of
+the desk.
+
+"This is what he found in the bottle, Frank," continued the stockman.
+"It bore my address, and the name of my ranch here; so thinking that it
+might be something more than a practical joke he concluded to journey
+all the way across the country to see me. It was a mighty nice thing for
+Mr. Hinchman to do, and something I am not apt to forget in a hurry,
+either."
+
+"Then the paper interested you, dad, it seems?" Frank remarked, eagerly.
+
+"It certainly did, son, and I rather think you will feel the same as I
+did when I tell you whose name is written at the bottom of this little
+communication," the cattleman went on.
+
+"All right, I'm ready to hear it," Frank remarked, laughingly.
+
+"Felix Oswald!" replied his father, quickly.
+
+The boy was indeed intensely surprised, if one could judge from his
+manner.
+
+"Your Uncle Felix, dad, who has been gone these three years, and whose
+mysterious disappearance set the whole scientific world guessing. And
+you say his name is there, signed to that paper found in the sealed
+bottle? Well, you sure have given me a surprise. Then he's still alive?"
+
+"He seemed to be when he wrote this," the cattleman said, reflectively;
+"but as he failed to put any date on it, we can only guess how long the
+bottle has been cruising down the Colorado, sucked into eddies that
+might hold it for weeks or months, until a rise in the river sent it
+forth again."
+
+"Say, doesn't that beat everything you ever heard of, Bob?" declared
+Frank, turning to his chum.
+
+"It certainly does," replied Bob, and then the ranchman's boy continued:
+
+"Perhaps you remember me telling you some things about this queer old
+uncle of dad's, Bob, and how, after he had made a name for himself, he
+suddenly vanished in a night, leaving word behind that he was going to
+study the biggest subject any man could ever tackle. And as he didn't
+want to be bothered, he said he would leave no address behind. They've
+looked for him all over Europe, Asia and Africa, but he was never heard
+from again. And now to think that he's sent word to dad; and in a sealed
+bottle too!"
+
+"That looks as if he must be somewhere on the Colorado River, don't it?"
+suggested Bob.
+
+"Undoubtedly," replied the stockman; "in fact, in this brief
+communication he admits that he is located somewhere along the Grand
+Canyon, in a place where travelers have as yet never penetrated. I can
+only guess that Uncle Felix must have been seized with a desire to
+unearth treasures that might tell the history of those strange old cliff
+dwellers, who occupied much of that country as long as eight hundred
+years ago. All he mentions about his hiding place is to call it Echo
+Cave. You never heard of such a place, did you, Mr. Hinchman; and you've
+lived on the lower river many years?"
+
+"I never did, Colonel," replied the man from Mohave City; "and perhaps
+few people have climbed through that wonderful gash in the surface of
+the Arizona desert as many times as I have."
+
+"In this brief note," continued Colonel Haywood, "Uncle Felix simply
+says that he has become aware of the passage of time; and since his
+labors are not yet completed, and he does not wish to allow his friends
+to believe him dead, he has concluded to communicate with me, his
+nephew. And as he knew of no other way of doing so, he resorted to the
+artifice of the floating bottle."
+
+"Mighty considerate of him, that's sure," chuckled Frank. "Been gone now
+two or three years, and suddenly remembers that there are people who
+might worry about his dropping out of sight."
+
+"But son," remarked the stockman, "don't forget that Uncle Felix is
+wrapped up in his profession, and cares very little about the ties of
+this world. I know him well enough for that. But it happens, singularly
+enough, that just now it is of the greatest importance he should be
+found, and communicated with. I would undertake the task myself, only
+for this unfortunate break that is bound to keep me laid up for another
+month or two. The doctor set my leg afresh, and tells me that this time
+I will really get perfectly well, given time. But it's hard to think
+that my cousin Janice, his only child, will lose so great a sum if some
+one fails to locate Uncle Felix, and get his signature to a paper inside
+of another month."
+
+"Why, how is that, father?" asked Frank.
+
+"Circumstances have arisen that will throw a fortune into her hands;"
+the stockman continued; "but the time limit approaches, and if his
+signature is not forthcoming others will reap the benefit, particularly
+that rascally cousin of mine, Eugene Warringford. You remember meeting
+him a year ago, Frank, when he came around asking many questions, as
+though he might have tracked his uncle out this way, and then lost the
+trail?"
+
+"Why not send us, dad?" demanded Frank, standing up in front of the
+stockman, with a smile of confidence on his face.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE LISTENER UNDER THE WINDOW
+
+
+"That was what I had in mind, Frank, when I hurried Ted Conway out to
+find you both," Colonel Haywood remarked, his face filled with pride and
+confidence.
+
+"Will you let me see the note, please?" asked Bob; who expected some day
+to study to be a lawyer, his father's family having had several Kentucky
+judges among their number.
+
+Just as the owner of the ranch had said, the communication was
+exceedingly brief, and to the point, not an unnecessary word having been
+written. It was in pencil, and the handwriting was crabbed; just what
+one might expect of an elderly man, given over heart and soul to
+scientific research.
+
+"I suppose you know the writing well enough to feel sure this came from
+your noted uncle, sir?" asked Bob, as he turned the paper over.
+
+"Certainly, Bob," replied the cattleman, promptly. "There is not the
+least possibility of it's being a practical joke. Nobody out here knows
+anything about my uncle, who disappeared so long ago. Yes, you can set
+it down as positive that the letter is genuine enough. He's located
+somewhere up in that most astonishing hole, the greatest wonder, most
+people admit, in the entire world. But just how you two boys are ever
+going to find him is another question."
+
+"We can try, dad; and that's all you could do if you were able to tramp.
+It happens that the Grand Canyon isn't more than a hundred and thirty
+miles from our ranch here, and we can ride that in a few days. How do
+you feel about it, Bob?"
+
+"Nothing would please me better," replied the other boy, quickly, his
+face lighting up with delight at the prospect of a long ride in the
+saddle, to be followed by days, and perhaps weeks, of roaming through
+that wonderland, where Nature had outdone all her other works in trying
+to heap up astonishing surprises.
+
+"So far as I'm concerned," Frank went on, "I've always wanted to visit
+the Grand Canyon, and meant to do it some day later on. Of course I've
+seen what the little Colorado has to show, because it's only a long
+day's ride off. Mr. Hinchman can, I reckon, give us some points about
+the place, and maybe even mention several smaller canyons where we might
+be likely to find Uncle Felix in Echo Cave."
+
+"Which I'll be only too happy to attempt," answered the gentleman from
+Mohave City; "and as I said before, I know considerable about the
+mysteries of the big hole in the desert, all of which is at your
+service. Somehow, the queer way that message in the floating bottle came
+to me, excited my curiosity; and I'll be satisfied if I can only have a
+hand in the finding of the noted gentleman who, as your father has been
+telling me, vanished in the midst of his fame."
+
+"And now, dad, please explain just what we are to do in case luck
+follows us in our hunt, and we run across the professor," said Frank.
+
+"You are to explain to him that the long option which he held on that
+San Bernardino mine will expire in one more month. The work had been
+going on in a listless way for three years. All at once some time back
+they struck a wonderfully rich lode, and vein has been followed far
+enough to show that it is bound to be a record breaker."
+
+"That sounds great!" declared the deeply interested Bob.
+
+"The mine couldn't be bought for a million to-day," continued the
+stockman; "and yet Uncle Felix is probably carrying around with him (for
+it couldn't be found at his home) a little legal document whereby it
+will become his sole property in case he chooses to plank down the
+modest sum of twenty thousand dollars by the thirtieth of next month!"
+
+"Whew! that's going some, eh, Bob?" exclaimed Frank, with a little
+whistle that accentuated his surprise.
+
+"Then if we are fortunate enough to find Uncle Felix before that time
+has expired, what shall we do, sir?" asked the precise Bob, who was
+always keeping an eye out for the legal aspect of things.
+
+"Coax him to accompany you to the nearest notary public, where he can
+sign his acceptance of the terms under which he holds the option on the
+San Bernardino. But if this happens after the thirtieth it is all wasted
+energy; for at midnight of that day, I happen to know, the option
+expires," the ranchman continued, somewhat impressively.
+
+Just as he finished speaking he suddenly turned toward the window, at
+which his keen vision had caught sight of a moving shadow, as though
+someone might have been crouching without, and listening.
+
+"Who is there at the window?" he called out, sternly.
+
+All eyes were turned that way. After several seconds had passed a figure
+rose up, and a head was thrust through the opening. It belonged to a
+dark-faced cow-puncher, named Abajo, who was supposed to be a half-breed
+Mexican. Although never a favorite with the owner of the Circle Ranch,
+Abajo was a first-class handler of the rope, and could ride a horse as
+well as anyone. He had been employed by Colonel Haywood for half a year.
+He talked "United States," as Frank was used to saying, as well as the
+average cowman. But Frank had never liked the fellow. There seemed
+something crafty in his ways that was foreign to the make-up of the boy.
+
+"It's only me, boss," said Abajo, with an attempt at a grin. "I wanted
+to ask you about that job you set me on yesterday. I took Pete along,
+and we found the lost bunch of stock in a valley ten mile away from
+Thunder Mountain in the Fox Canyon country. Got 'em all safe in but
+seven. Never seen hair nor hide of them; but after gettin' back it
+struck me there was one place they might a strayed to that we didn't
+look up. If so be you say the word I'll pick up Pete again, and make
+another try."
+
+"Why, of course you had better go, Abajo," remarked the stockman,
+looking keenly at the other, for he did not like the way in which the
+half-breed had been apparently loitering under that open window, as
+though listening to all that was passing in the room beyond. "I told you
+not to draw rein till you'd found all the missing stock; or knew what
+had become of them. That's all, Abajo."
+
+The Mexican cowboy hurried away. A minute later and they heard him
+shouting to Pete; and then the clatter of horses' hoofs told that the
+pair were galloping wildly across the open.
+
+"I wonder how much he heard?" said Frank; from which it would appear
+that he also suspected the other of having spied upon them for some
+purpose.
+
+"Much good it could have done him, even if he caught all we said,"
+replied his father. "Because, of course, he doesn't know anything about
+Uncle Felix; and couldn't be interested in whether he is living or
+dead."
+
+"No," remarked Mr. Hinchman, "but the mention of a mine going a-begging
+that is worth a comfortable fortune, like a million or two, would
+interest Abajo. I know his type pretty well, and you can rest assured
+that they're always on the lookout for easy money."
+
+"But didn't it strike you, dad," ventured Frank, "that his excuse for
+being under that window was silly?"
+
+"Yes, because Abajo has always been able to understand, without asking
+what he should do under such conditions. He wanted some excuse for
+drawing near the open window, and he found it. Perhaps he's heard
+something about the coming of Mr. Hinchman here, and the queer finding
+of the bottle that floated down the Colorado for one or two hundred
+miles. I spoke to the foreman, Bart Heminway, about it."
+
+"When would you want us to make a start?" asked Bob, looking as though
+he might be ready to jump into his saddle then and there.
+
+"Oh! there is no such rushing hurry as all that," replied the cattleman,
+laughing at the eagerness of the two lads. "Your horses are a bit off,
+just now, and after all that fight in the wolf den you boys need a
+rest."
+
+"But when do we start?" asked Frank.
+
+"Suppose you get ready to move in the morning," Colonel Haywood replied,
+after reflecting a moment. "That will give me time to write a letter to
+Uncle Felix, so that you can deliver it, if you're lucky enough to find
+his Echo Cave; and at the same time you can make up your packs; for you
+will need blankets, and plenty of grub along."
+
+"Well, I reckon you're right, dad," admitted Frank; "only it seems as if
+we might be losing valuable time. All the same we're going to do just
+what you say. Now, if you haven't anything more to tell us, we'll just
+skip out, and begin looking up some of the supplies for our campaign in
+the Grand Canyon."
+
+"Get along with you, then," laughed the ranchman. "I want to ask Mr.
+Hinchman a few more questions that have occurred to me since you came
+home. And, boys, grub will be ready in a short time, now, for there's Ah
+Sin stepping to the door every little while, to look around and see if
+the boys are in sight. You know what that sign means."
+
+Frank and his chum went off, to make out a list of things they would
+take along with them on the strange expedition upon which they were
+about to start on the following morning.
+
+"What do you think of that slippery customer, Abajo?" Bob asked his
+chum, as the afternoon waned, and they were sitting on the long porch of
+the ranch house.
+
+"I've never liked him ever since he came here; but dad was in need of
+help, and the half-breed certainly knows his business to a dot," replied
+Frank, who was examining the new girth his chum had attached to his
+saddle, mentally deciding that whatever the young Kentuckian attempted,
+he did neatly and well.
+
+"Didn't I hear something about his being a relative to that Spanish Joe
+who gave us so much trouble a little while back, on Thunder Mountain?"
+Bob continued.
+
+"Well, I couldn't say for sure, but some say he is a nephew," Frank
+answered. "Both of them have Mexican blood in their veins; and, when you
+come to think of it, there is some resemblance in their faces."
+
+"But do you really think Abajo was listening?" the other asked.
+
+"It looked like it; that's as far as I've got," laughed Frank.
+
+"But," Bob protested, "even if he knew that there was a big fortune
+connected with the paper this queer old professor carries on his person,
+what good would that do Abajo?"
+
+Frank shrugged his broad shoulders as he replied:
+
+"Well, you never can tell what crazy notions some of these schemers
+after a fortune will hatch up. He might make up his mind to start a
+little hunt for the hermit of Echo Cave on his own hook; with the idea
+of getting a transfer of that valuable paper."
+
+"That's a fact!" declared Bob, looking interested. "Perhaps, after all,
+we won't have our work cut out for us as easy as we thought."
+
+"Small difference that will make," Frank went on, with a shutting of his
+teeth that told of the spirit animating the boy when difficulties hove
+in sight.
+
+"I agree with you, all right, Frank," his companion remarked. "And
+perhaps it'll only make the hunt all the more interesting if we believe
+we've got opposition. You know how it was when Peg Grant threw his hat
+in the ring, and tried to find out what made those queer sounds in the
+heart of Thunder Mountain?"
+
+"Sure I do," came the quick reply. "It stirred us up to doing bigger
+stunts than if we'd thought we had it all our own way. Nothing like
+competition to get the best out of any fellow."
+
+"Correct you are, Frank. But speaking of Abajo, perhaps that's him
+coming back now," and as he spoke the Kentucky boy pointed across to a
+point where a single rider could be seen heading for the ranch house.
+
+He was still far away, but the eyes of Frank Haywood were very keen.
+Besides, he knew the "style" of every cowboy who was in the employ of
+his father, and was able to pick them out almost as far as he could see
+them.
+
+"You're away off there, Bob," he remarked quietly.
+
+"Then it isn't the half-breed?" asked his chum.
+
+"I know the way that chap sits in the saddle," came the reply. "Only one
+man on the pay roll of Circle Ranch holds himself that way. It's Pete."
+
+"Pete Rawlings, the fellow who went with Abajo to round up the missing
+cattle?" asked Bob.
+
+"He's the one," Frank went on. "And from the fact that he rides alone, I
+take it he's bringing news."
+
+"Of the seven head of cattle that have disappeared, you mean, Frank?"
+
+"Perhaps. They may have found them, and Abajo is standing by, while
+Pete comes in to make some sort of report. There's that rustler bunch
+that comes from the other side of the Gila river once in a while, under
+Pedro Mendoza, you remember. But he'll soon be on deck, and then we'll
+know. Come along, Bob, and we'll let dad hear that Pete is sighted.
+He'll be interested some, I reckon."
+
+A short time later the single rider threw himself from his saddle after
+the usual impetuous manner of cowboys in general.
+
+"Back again, Pete; and did you see anything of that seven head?" asked
+Colonel Haywood, who had come outside.
+
+"Ain't run across hair nor hide of 'em, Colonel," replied the squatty
+cattleman, as he "waddled" up to the spot where the little group awaited
+his coming; for like many of his kind, Pete was decidedly bow-legged,
+possibly from riding a horse all his life; and his walk somewhat
+resembled that of a sailor ashore after a long cruise.
+
+"Where did you leave Abajo?" asked Frank, unable to restrain his
+curiosity.
+
+"Didn't leave him," replied the other, with a grin. "He gave me the
+merry ha! ha! and said as how he reckoned he'd had enough of the old
+Circle. Got his month's pay yesterday, you see, an' he's even. I
+reckoned somethin' was in the wind when I seen him talkin' with that
+feller."
+
+"Who was that, Pete?" questioned Colonel Haywood; and the prompt answer
+made Frank and Bob exchange significant looks, for it seemed to voice
+their worst fears.
+
+"A gent as you had avisitin' here some time back, Colonel. Reckon as how
+he don't feel any too warm toward you, accordin' to the way he used to
+bring them black brows of his'n down, when he thought you wa'n't
+lookin'. And his name was Eugene Warringford."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+STARTING FOR THE GRAND CANYON
+
+
+No one appeared to be greatly surprised at this piece of news.
+Apparently it had been already discounted in the mind of Frank, his
+father, and even Bob Archer.
+
+"So, that's the way the wind sets, is it?" remarked the colonel,
+frowning.
+
+"Anyhow, dad, that proves one thing," declared Frank.
+
+"Meaning about that business of listening under the window?" observed
+the owner of Circle Ranch. "It certainly does. Abajo has been in the
+employ of Eugene Warringford from the start. But there must have been
+some other good reason why that schemer wanted to find Uncle Felix. He
+suspected that, sooner or later, the old gentleman would communicate
+with me, because I used to be quite a favorite of his, years ago."
+
+"Yes, and he sent the half-breed here to get employment from you just to
+spy around," declared Frank. "All the time he was accepting your money,
+he had a regular income from Eugene."
+
+"Oh! well, he earned all he got here," said the ranchman, quickly. "Say
+what I may about Abajo, he had no superior when it came to throwing the
+rope, and rounding up a herd. Those Mexicans make the finest of cowboys.
+They are at home in the saddle, every time."
+
+"Also in hanging around under windows, and listening to what is said,"
+added Frank. "As for me, I have little use for their breed. And, dad, if
+ever you give me the reins here, no Mexican will ever get a job on old
+Circle Ranch."
+
+"Well," remarked the stockman, laughing at the vigor with which his son
+and heir made this assertion, "perhaps I'm leaning that way myself.
+After all, there's nothing like your own kind. We don't understand these
+fellows. Their ways are not the same as ours; and I reckon we puncture
+their pride often enough. But there's no trouble now about understanding
+why Abajo gave us the go-by to-day."
+
+"Huh! he had some news worth while carrying to his boss," said Frank.
+"And I can just imagine how Eugene's little eyes will sparkle when he
+hears about that valuable paper; eh, dad?"
+
+"You're right, son," the ranchman replied. "Because, it stands to reason
+he couldn't know anything about it before. The mine was a dead one up
+to a few months back, when that lucky-find lode was struck by accident.
+Eugene will put up a big chase to find this Echo Cave, now that he knows
+Uncle Felix is located somewhere in the Grand Canyon of the Colorado."
+
+"But it won't make a bit of difference in our plans, dad; will it?"
+asked Frank.
+
+"That depends on you two boys. If you think you can carry the game
+along, even with Eugene against you, I see no reason to make any
+change," the stockman replied, with a look that spoke of much
+confidence.
+
+The balance of the afternoon was spent in exchanging views, and much
+study of the map of the famous canyon of the Colorado, which it happened
+the ranch owner had in his desk.
+
+All sorts of theories were advanced by first one and then another of the
+group. It happened that Colonel Haywood himself had never as yet paid a
+visit to the strange gash in the soil of northwestern Arizona; and he
+admitted the fact with a rueful face.
+
+"Then just as soon as you get well, dad, make up your mind you're going
+to take a little vacation, and see the Grand Canyon," said Frank. "When
+we come back, perhaps what we have to say will set you wild to go. And
+we expect to bring news of old Uncle Felix too, if he's still in the
+land of the living."
+
+"Let's go over that ground again," remarked Bob.
+
+"Now you're referring to what was said about the funny old stone
+dwellings of the cliff dwellers, who used to live there centuries ago,"
+remarked Frank.
+
+"And he's right, too," declared the ranchman. "I get the point Bob
+makes. It was about these wonderful people that Uncle Felix was so
+deeply interested, and he made up his mind to shut himself away from all
+the world, just to study up their history, as left in the holes in the
+rock."
+
+"And it would seem to follow, then," said Bob, readily, "that he will be
+found located in one of those series of terraces where these holes are
+discovered. I notice that there are a number of these villages connected
+with the map of the Grand Canyon; but the chances are your Uncle Felix
+wouldn't take up with any where tourist travel was common."
+
+"Now, that sounds all right," admitted Frank. "In the first place he
+would have been heard from long ago, if tourists ran across him; because
+they always talk, and send their accounts to be published in the
+papers."
+
+"Besides, these scientific men hate to be watched when they're wrapped
+up in work like this. I've known a couple back in Old Kentucky," Bob
+went on.
+
+"According to your idea, then," said the Colonel, nodding approvingly,
+"this Echo Cave he mentions will prove to be some new place that the
+ordinary tourist in the big canyon has never set eyes on?"
+
+"That's my opinion, sir," replied Bob.
+
+"And if that's so, then it wouldn't pay you boys to waste any time
+looking into these ruins of the homes of the cliff dwellers located
+around Grand View; and in Walnut Canyon, some nine miles from
+Flagstaff," the ranchman continued.
+
+"I think we'd save more or less time that way, sir," Bob declared.
+
+"And you still want to go on horseback; when you might reach the
+railroad, and take a train, easily enough?" asked Colonel Haywood.
+
+The boys exchanged glances. They were wedded to the saddle, and disliked
+the idea of leaving their favorite steeds behind them when embarking on
+this new venture.
+
+"We've picked out the trail we expect to follow, dad," Frank said,
+pleadingly; "and it seems to run pretty smooth, with only a few
+mountains to cross, and a couple of rivers to ford. If you don't object
+seriously, Bob and I would prefer to go mounted."
+
+"Oh! as far as that goes, I don't blame you, boys," the stockman
+hastened to say in reply; for he could understand the yearning one feels
+for a favorite horse; and how a seat in the saddle seems to be the
+finest thing in the world.
+
+"Thank you, dad!" exclaimed Frank. "I reckoned that you'd talk that way.
+Somehow or other I just don't feel more'n half myself out of the saddle.
+And when we start to go down into the canyon we can find some place to
+leave our mounts where they'll be 'tended decently enough."
+
+Ah Sin, the Chinese cook of the ranch, who generally accompanied the
+boys when the whole outfit went on the grand round-up, with the mess
+wagon in attendance, now came outdoors, and beat his gong to announce
+dinner.
+
+The cowboys were not far away, awaiting the summons with the customary
+range appetites held in check; and when they were seated at the table
+they presented a merry crowd. Frank's mother happened to be visiting
+East at this time. He had a maiden aunt, however, who looked after the
+household duties, and sat at the end of the long table to pour the
+coffee.
+
+Of course there was more or less talk about the sudden flitting of the
+half-breed, Abajo. Nobody had any regrets, for he had never been liked.
+And there were several who secretly felt pleased, because they had
+happened to quarrel with the dark-skinned Mexican at different times,
+and did not altogether fancy the way he had of scowling, while his
+finger felt the edge of the knife he carried in his gay sash, after the
+manner of his countrymen.
+
+Colonel Haywood did not see fit to explain the real cause for the going
+of Abajo, except to his foreman, Bart Heminway. But during the evening,
+when Frank and Bob were making up their packs so as to get an early
+start in the morning, the ranch owner might have been seen in earnest
+consultation with the foreman.
+
+Presently Bart went out, to return with Old Hank Coombs, and another
+cowman known as Chesty Lane; who had of course received this name on
+account of the way he thrust out his figure, rather than from any
+inclination on his part to boast of his wonderful deeds.
+
+"Chesty tells me, Colonel," said Bart, "that he used to be a guide in
+this same Grand Canyon, years ago. I never knowed it 'till right to-day.
+And if so be you intend to send Old Hank up thar to keep tabs on the
+doings of that ugly pair, Abajo and Warringford, thar couldn't be a
+better man to pick out than Chesty. You can depend on him every time."
+
+Then followed another conference, of which the two boys, wrapped up in
+their own plans in another room, were of course entirely ignorant.
+
+It was decided, however, that the two cowmen should wait until the boys
+were well on their way. Then, supplied with ample funds, they could
+ride to the nearest station, meet the first train bound north, and be
+at Flagstaff before night came around.
+
+In this way the Colonel figured that he was safeguarding the interests
+of Bob and Frank. Already had he begun to regret allowing them to go,
+and if it had not been for the high regard he had for his word, once
+given, he might have backed down. However, perhaps the sending of Hank
+and his companion might answer the purpose, and prove a valuable move.
+
+The night passed, and with early dawn there was a stir all about Circle
+Ranch.
+
+Every cowboy on the place accompanied Frank and Bob several miles on
+their long journey, every fellow wishing he had been asked to join them
+for the adventure. And when Bart Hemingway gave the word to turn back,
+the entire group waved their hats, and cheered as long as the two lads
+remained within hearing.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+BUCKSKIN ON GUARD
+
+
+"A good day's ride, all right, Bob!"
+
+"You never said truer words, Frank. And now, with night setting in, how
+far do you think we've covered since the start this morning?"
+
+The Kentucky boy sat in his saddle with a slight show of weariness,
+which was not to be wondered at, considering the steadiness with which
+they had kept on the move, hour after hour, heading in a general
+Westerly direction.
+
+The satin skin of Domino was flecked with foam. Even the tough little
+Buckskin mount of Frank showed signs of weariness; though ready to keep
+on if his master gave the word.
+
+"That would be hard to tell," replied the rancher's son; "but it must be
+all of sixty-five miles, I reckon."
+
+"Then that beats my record some," declared the other.
+
+"But it was a glorious gallop all the way through," asserted Frank.
+
+"That's what; and more to follow to-morrow," his chum hastened to
+remark.
+
+"But a different kind of travel, the chances are, Bob. To-day it
+happened that we were crossing the great mesa, and it was like a floor
+for being level. Over yonder, ahead, you can see the mountains we must
+cross. Then there are rivers to ford or swim. Yes, variety is the spice
+of life; and unless I miss my guess we're due for a big change
+to-morrow."
+
+"Think we can make Flagstaff by to-morrow night?" asked the Kentucky
+lad, who, at a time like this, seemed to depend very much upon the
+superior knowledge of his chum, who had been brought up on the plains.
+
+"We're going to make a try; that's as far as I've got," laughed Frank.
+"But what about camping here?"
+
+"As good as anywhere," answered Bob. "Fact is, I'm admitting to being
+ready to drop down in any old place, so long as I can stretch my legs,
+and roll. No wonder a horse likes to turn over as soon as you take the
+saddle off. Shall we call it a go, Frank?"
+
+The other jumped to the ground. Bob thought he heard him give a little
+grunt in doing so; but just then he was interested in repressing his own
+feelings.
+
+However, when they had moved about somewhat, both boys confessed to
+feeling considerably better. As for the horses, there was no danger of
+their straying after that gallop of many hours in the hot sun. They took
+their roll, and then began hunting for stray tufts of grass among the
+buffalo berry bushes.
+
+The sun had already set, and twilight told of the coming night. Around
+them lay the mesa, with the mountains cropping up like a crust along the
+edge. It was a familiar scene, to Frank in particular, and one of which
+he never tired.
+
+"I noticed some jack rabbits as we came along," remarked Bob, "and as
+they always come out of their burrows about dusk to play, suppose I try
+and knock over a couple right now."
+
+"Wouldn't object myself to a good dinner of rabbit, after that ride,"
+Frank admitted, as he proceeded to get the little tent in position, a
+task that was only a pleasure to a boy fond of all outdoors.
+
+So Bob immediately sauntered off toward the spot where he had noticed
+the long-eared animals, calculated to make a good meal for hungry
+campers.
+
+"I heard gophers whistling," called out Frank, "and that means there's a
+village somewhere close by. Keep your eyes out for the rattlers; they
+are always found where prairie dogs live."
+
+"I never forget that, Frank," came back from the disappearing hunter.
+
+Frank went on with his preparations. A fire would be necessary, if they
+expected to cook fresh meat; and it is not always an easy thing to have
+such when out on the open plain or mesa. But Frank had already sighted a
+supply of fuel sufficient for their needs and it was indeed next door to
+a miracle to find the dead branch of a pine tree here, far away from the
+mountains, where the nearest trees seemed to grow.
+
+"I reckon it was just lifted up in some little tornado, and carried
+through the air, just to land where we needed it," he remarked, as he
+dragged the log closer to where he had quickly put up the tent; and then
+began chopping at it with his little camp hatchet.
+
+As he worked there came a quick report from a point not far away.
+
+"That means one jack," he remarked, raising his head to listen; but to
+his surprise no second shot followed.
+
+"Well, if he hopes to get a pair, he'll have to hurry up his cakes,"
+Frank went on; "because the night's settling down on us fast. But then
+one will give us a taste all around, and help out."
+
+It was some little time before he heard Bob coming, and then the
+Kentuckian seemed to be walking rather unsteadily. Frank jumped to his
+feet, with the suspicion that possibly after all Bob had met with a
+misfortune. In the minute of time that he was waiting for his chum to
+appear, a number of things flashed through his head to give him
+uneasiness.
+
+Had Bob been unlucky enough to run across one of those aggressive little
+prairie rattlesnakes after all? Could he have wounded himself in any way
+when he fired his repeating rifle? Neither of these might prove to be
+the case; and yet Bob was certainly staggering as he came along.
+
+Now he could be seen by the light of the little fire. Frank stared, for
+his chum was certainly bending over, as though bearing a load. He had
+heard no outcry that would signify the presence of others in the
+neighborhood. Ah! surely those were the long slender legs of an antelope
+which Bob gripped in front of him.
+
+"Bully for you!" exclaimed Frank. "Where under the sun did you run
+across that fine game? Say, you sure take the cake, stepping out just to
+knock over a couple of long-ears; and then coming back ten minutes later
+with a fine antelope on your back. How did you do it, Bob?"
+
+"I don't know," laughed the other. "Happened to start up against the
+wind, and was creeping up behind some buffalo berry bushes to see if
+there were any jack rabbits beyond, when this little fellow jumped to
+his feet. Why he didn't light out when we came along, I never could tell
+you."
+
+"Oh! he just knew we wanted a good supper, I reckon," Frank remarked.
+"And now to get busy."
+
+It did not take them long to cut some choice bits from the antelope,
+which they began to cook at the fire, thrusting the meat through with
+long splinters of wood, which in turn were held in a slanting position
+in the ground. When one part gave evidence of being browned the novel
+spit was turned until all sides had been equally served.
+
+"Remember the way Old Hank showed us how to toll antelope for a shot,
+when you can't find cover to get near enough?" asked Frank, as they sat
+there, disposing of their supper, with the satisfaction hunger always
+brings in its train.
+
+"You mean with the red handkerchief waved over the top of a bush?" Bob
+went on. "Hank said there never was a more curious little beast than an
+antelope. If he didn't have a red rag a white one would do. Once he said
+he just lay down on his back and kicked his heels in the air. The game
+ran away, but came back; and each time just a little bit closer, till
+Hank could fire, and get his supper. I've done something the same for
+ducks, in a marsh back home, trying to draw their attention to the
+decoys I had out."
+
+A small stream ran near by, at which the boys and horses had quenched
+their thirst. Sometimes its gentle murmur floated to their ears as they
+sat there, chatting, and wondering whether their mission to the Grand
+Canyon was destined to bear fruit or not.
+
+"I can get the smell of some late wild roses," remarked Frank. "And it
+isn't often that you find such things up on one of these high mesas, or
+table lands. Do you know, I rather imagine this used to be a favorite
+stamping ground for buffalo in those good old days when herds of tens of
+thousands could be met with, rolling like the waves of a sea over the
+plains."
+
+"What makes you think so?" asked Bob, always seeking information.
+
+"The grass, for one thing," came the reply. "Then I noticed quite a few
+old sun-burned remnants of skulls as we came along. The bone hunter
+didn't gather his crop in this region, that means. Besides, didn't you
+see all those queer little indentations that looked as though they might
+have been pools away back years ago?"
+
+"Sure, I did; and wondered whatever could have made them," Bob admitted.
+
+"I may be wrong," Frank continued; "but somehow I've got an idea that
+those must be what they used to call buffalo wallows. Anyhow, that
+doesn't matter to us. We've made a good day of it; found a jim-dandy
+place for a camp; got some juicy fresh meat; and to-morrow we hope to
+land in Flagstaff."
+
+"And what then?" queried Bob.
+
+"We'll decide that while we ride along to-morrow," Frank answered.
+"Perhaps it may seem better that we leave our horses there, and take the
+train for the Grand Canyon; though I'm inclined to make another day of
+it, and follow the old wagon trail over the mesa, and through the pine
+forest past Red Butte, to Grand View."
+
+"Listen to Buckskin snorting; what d'ye suppose ails him?" asked Bob, as
+his chum stopped speaking.
+
+"I was just going to say that myself," remarked Frank, putting out his
+hand for his rifle; and at the same time scattering the brands of the
+dying fire so that darkness quickly fell upon the spot.
+
+"Too late, I'm afraid," muttered Bob.
+
+"Seems like it, because the horses are sure coming straight for us,"
+said Frank; "but there are many people moving around in this section,
+and perhaps some tenderfeet from the East have lost themselves, and
+would be glad of a chance to sit by our blaze and taste antelope meat,
+fresh where it is grown. Step back, Bob, and let's wait to see what
+turns up!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+STANDING BY THE LAW
+
+
+"What had we ought to do?" asked Bob.
+
+"They must have seen our fire, and that's what made them head this way.
+So, all we can do is to wait, and see what they want," replied Frank.
+
+"But there don't seem to be many in the party," his chum went on.
+
+"I think not more than two, Bob."
+
+"You can tell from the beat of their horses' hoofs--is that it?"
+inquired the boy who wanted to learn.
+
+"Yes, it's easy enough, Bob."
+
+By this time the sounds had grown quite loud, and both boys strained
+their eyes, trying to locate the approaching horsemen. In the old days
+on the plains every stranger was deemed an enemy until he had proven
+himself a friend. Nowadays it is hardly so positive as that; but
+nevertheless those who are wise take no chances.
+
+"I see them!" Bob announced; but although the other saddle boy had not
+said so, he had picked up the advancing figures several seconds before.
+
+"One thing sure," remarked Frank, as though relieved, "I reckon they
+can't be horse thieves or cattle rustlers."
+
+"You mean they wouldn't be so bold about coming forward?" ventured Bob.
+
+"That's about the size of it; but we'll soon know," Frank went on.
+
+As the strangers drew rapidly nearer he began to make out their "style"
+for the night was not intensely dark. And somehow Frank's curiosity
+increased in bounds. He discovered no signs of the customary cowboy
+outfit about them. They wore garments that savored of civilization, and
+sat their horses with the air of men accustomed to much riding.
+
+"Hold hard there, strangers; or you'll be riding us down!" Frank sang
+out, as the newcomers loomed up close at hand.
+
+At that the others drew rein, and brought their horses to a halt.
+Bending low in the saddle they seemed to be peering at the dimly-seen
+figures of the two boys.
+
+"Who is it--speak quick!" one of the strangers said; and Frank believed
+he heard a suspicious click accompanying the thrilling words.
+
+"Two boys bound for Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon," he answered, not
+wishing to take any unnecessary chances.
+
+"Where from, and what's your names?" continued the other, in his
+commanding voice, that somehow told Frank he must be one accustomed to
+demanding obedience.
+
+The ranch boy no longer felt any uneasiness. He believed that these men
+were not to be feared.
+
+"I am the son of Colonel Haywood, owner of the Circle Ranch; and this is
+my chum, Bob Archer, a Kentucky boy," he said, boldly.
+
+Then the other man, who as yet had not spoken, took occasion to remark:
+
+"'Taint them, after all, Stanwix! Perhaps we've been following the wrong
+trail."
+
+The name gave Frank an idea. He had heard more or less about the doings
+of a sheriff in a neighboring county, called Yavapai, and his name was
+the same as that mentioned by the second dimly seen rider.
+
+"Are you gentlemen from Prescott?" he asked.
+
+"That's where I hold out when I'm home," replied the one who had asked
+about their identity.
+
+"Are you Sheriff Stanwix?" pursued the boy, while his companion almost
+held his breath in suspense.
+
+"I am; and this is Hand, who holds the same office in this county of
+Coconino," replied the other, as he threw a leg over his saddle as
+though about to dismount.
+
+Both of them joined the boys, leaving their horses to stand with the
+bridles thrown over their heads, cowboy fashion.
+
+Frank meanwhile had picked up some small fuel, and thrown it on the
+still smouldering fire. It immediately started up into a blaze that
+continued to increase.
+
+They could now see that their visitors were two keen-eyed men. The
+evidence of their calling lay in the stars that decorated their left
+breasts. Both looked as though they could hold their own against odds.
+And of course they were armed as became their dangerous profession.
+
+Bob was especially interested. He had never really had anything to do
+with an officer of the law; and surveyed the pair with all the ardor of
+boyish curiosity.
+
+To see one sheriff was a treat; but to have two drop down upon them
+after this fashion must be an event worth remembering.
+
+"We had the good luck to knock over a young antelope just before dark,"
+Frank remarked, after each of the men had insisted in gravely shaking
+hands with both himself and Bob. "Perhaps you haven't had any supper,
+and wouldn't mind taking pot luck with us?"
+
+"How about that, Hand?" questioned the taller man, turning with a laugh
+to the second sheriff.
+
+"Just suits me," came the reply, as the speaker threw himself down on
+the hard ground. "Half an hour's rest will do the hosses some good,
+too."
+
+"Thank you, boys, we accept, and with pleasure," Mr. Stanwix went on,
+turning again toward Frank.
+
+Bob immediately got busy, and started to cut further bits from the
+carcase of his small antelope. There would be plenty for even the
+healthy appetites of the two officers, and then leave enough for the
+boys' breakfast.
+
+"We're in something of a hurry to get on to Flagstaff ourselves, boys,"
+the Yavapai sheriff remarked, as he sniffed the cooking venison with
+relish; "but the temptation to hold over a bit is too strong. You see,
+Hand and myself have just made up our minds to bag our birds this trip,
+no matter where it takes us, or how long we're on the job."
+
+"Then you're after some cattle rustlers or bad men, I reckon," Frank
+remarked.
+
+"A couple of the worst scoundrels ever known around these diggings,"
+replied the officer. "They've been jumping from one county into another,
+when pushed; and in the end Hand, here, and myself concluded we'd just
+join our forces. We've got a posse to the south, and another working to
+the north; but we happened to strike the trail of our birds just before
+dusk, and we've been following it in hopes of reaching Flagstaff before
+they can get down into the gash, and hide."
+
+"A trail, you say?" Frank observed. "Could it have been the one I've
+been following just out of curiosity, and because it seemed to run in
+the very direction my chum and myself were bound?"
+
+"That's just what it was, Frank," the sheriff answered, as he accepted
+the hot piece of browned venison, stick and all, which Bob was holding
+out. "We saw that there had come into the trail the marks of two new
+hosses; and naturally enough we got the idea that it might mean our men
+were being followed by a couple of their own kind."
+
+"Then when you saw our little fire, you thought we were the kind of
+steers you wanted to round up?" the boy asked.
+
+"Oh! well," Mr. Stanwix replied with a little chuckle; "we kept a touch
+on our irons when I was asking you who you were; and if the reply hadn't
+been all that it was, I reckon we'd have politely asked you to throw up
+your hands, boys. But say, this meat is prime, and seems to go to the
+spot."
+
+"I don't know which spot you mean, Stanwix," remarked the other officer,
+who was also munching away like a half-starved man; "but mine suits me
+all right. I'm right glad we stopped. The rest will tone the nags up for
+a long pull; and as for me, I'll be in great shape after this feed."
+
+Bob was kept busy cooking more and more, for the two men seemed to
+realize, after once getting a taste, that they were desperately hungry.
+But he did it with pleasure. There was something genial about the manner
+of Mr. Stanwix that quite captured the heart of the Kentucky lad. He
+knew the tall man could be as gentle as a woman, if the occasion ever
+arose when he had a wounded comrade to nurse; and if his reputation did
+not speak wrongly his courage was decidedly great.
+
+While they sat there the two men talked of various subjects. Frank was
+curious to know something about those whom they were now banded together
+in a determined effort to capture, and so Mr. Stanwix told a few
+outlines of the case.
+
+The men were known as the Arizona Kid and Big Bill Guffey. They had been
+cattlemen, miners, and about every other thing known to the Southwest.
+By degrees they had acquired the reputation of being bad men; and all
+sorts of lawless doings were laid at their door. And finally it came to
+defying the sheriff, evading capture by flitting to another county, and
+playing a game of hide-and-seek, until their bold methods were the talk
+of the whole country.
+
+Then it was the Coconino sheriff had conceived the idea of an alliance
+with his brother officer in the adjoining county, of which the thriving
+city of Prescott was the seat of government.
+
+Frank even had Mr. Stanwix describe the two men whom the officers were
+pursuing.
+
+"We expect to be around the Grand Canyon for some weeks," the lad
+remarked; "and it might be we'd run across these chaps. To know who they
+were, would be putting us on our guard, and besides, perhaps we might be
+able to get notice to you, sir."
+
+"That sounds all right, Frank," the other had hastened to reply; "and
+believe me, I appreciate your friendly feelings. It's the duty of all
+good citizens to back up the man they've put in office, when he's trying
+to free the community of a bad crowd."
+
+Then he explained just how they might get word to him in case they had
+anything of importance to communicate. Although the Tarapai sheriff knew
+nothing about wireless telegraphy, he did understand some of the methods
+which savage tribes in many countries use in order to send news hundreds
+of miles; sometimes by a chain of drums stationed on the hill tops miles
+apart; or it may be by the waving of a red flag.
+
+"And I want to tell you, Frank," Mr. Stanwix concluded, "if so be you
+ever do have occasion to send me that message, just make up your minds
+that I'll come to you on the jump, with Hand at my heels. But for your
+own sakes I hope you won't run across these two hard cases. We've got
+an idea that they mean to do some hold-up game in the Grand Canyon,
+where hundreds of rich travelers gather. And if luck favors us we expect
+to put a spoke in their wheel before they run far!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE MOQUI WHO WAS CAUGHT NAPPING
+
+
+Sheriff Stanwix arose with a sigh.
+
+"Reckon we'd better be moving on, Hand," he said, evidently with
+reluctance; for it was very pleasant sitting there, taking his ease
+beside the camp fire of the two boys; but when duty called this man
+never let anything stand in the way.
+
+Their horses had not strayed far away. Like most animals they had sought
+the company of their kind, as various sounds indicated, Buckskin
+doubtless showing his prairie strain by sundry nips with his teeth at
+the strangers.
+
+Another shake of hands all around; then the sheriffs threw themselves
+into their saddles, and were off. The last the two lads saw of them was
+when their figures were swallowed up in the night-mists; and then it was
+a friendly wave of the arm that told how much they had appreciated the
+hospitality of the saddle boys.
+
+"Well, anyhow, it doesn't seem quite so lonely out here, after all,"
+said Frank, laughing, as he and his chum settled down again.
+
+"Why, no," added Bob, "I thought we owned the whole coop; but I take it
+back. There are others abroad, it seems."
+
+"I only hope those two fly-by-night birds don't take a notion to double
+on their trail, and come back to pay us a visit," Frank remarked; and of
+course Bob understood that he meant the bad men who were being rounded
+up by Sheriff Stanwix, aided by the official of Coconino County.
+
+"Perhaps we'd better douse the glim, then?" Bob suggested.
+
+"Let it burn out," Frank remarked; "I don't believe there's much chance
+of anybody else seeing it now; because it's pretty low. Our tent shows
+up about as plain, come to think of it; but I don't mean to do without
+shelter."
+
+They sat there, chatting on various subjects, for some time. Of course
+their mission to the region of the greatest natural wonder in the world
+took a leading part in this conversation. But then they also spoke of
+their recent visitors; and as Bob showed signs of considerable interest,
+Frank told all he had ever heard about the valor of the Prescott
+sheriff.
+
+"I don't know how you feel about it, Bob," he said, at length, with a
+yawn, "but I'm getting mighty sleepy."
+
+"Same here; and I move we turn in," Bob immediately replied.
+
+Accordingly, as the idea had received unanimous approval, they took a
+look at the horses, now staked out with the ropes, and, finding them
+comfortable, both boys crawled under the canvas.
+
+Some hours later they were aroused suddenly by a shrill yell. As they
+sat up, and groped for their rifles, not realizing what manner of peril
+could be hanging over them, the loud snorting of the horses came to
+their ears.
+
+"Come on!" exclaimed Frank, in considerable excitement. "Sounds like
+somebody might be bothering our mounts!"
+
+Bob had not been so very long in the Western country; but he knew what
+that meant all right. Horses were supposed to be the most valuable
+possessions among men who spent their lives on the great plains and
+deserts of this region. In the old days it was deemed a capital crime to
+steal horses.
+
+So Bob, shivering with excitement, but not fear, hastened to follow at
+the heels of his chum, as Frank hastily crawled out of the tent.
+
+A rather battered looking moon was part way up in the Eastern heavens.
+Though the light she gave was none of the best, still, to the boys,
+coming from the interior of the tent, it seemed quite enough to enable
+them to see their way about, and even distinguish objects at a little
+distance.
+
+Frank lost no time heading in the direction where he knew the horses had
+been staked out.
+
+"Anyhow, they don't seem to have got them yet," remarked Bob, gleefully,
+as the sound of prancing and snorting came to their ears louder than
+ever.
+
+Frank stopped for a couple of seconds to listen.
+
+"Buckskin is carrying on something fierce," he muttered. "He seems to be
+furiously mad, too. Perhaps, after all, it may be a bear sniffing
+around; though I'd never expect to find such a thing out here, so far
+away from the mountains."
+
+He again started on, with Bob close at his elbow. The words of his chum
+had given the Kentucky lad new cause for other thrills. What if it
+should prove to be a grizzly bear? He had had one experience with such a
+monster, and was not particularly anxious for another, not being in the
+big game class.
+
+Now they were approaching the spot where the two roped horses were
+jumping restlessly about, making queer sounds that could only indicate
+alarm.
+
+Frank spoke to his animal immediately, thinking to reassure him.
+
+"Easy now, Buckskin; what's making you act this way? I don't see any
+enemy. If you've given a false alarm, it'll sure be for the first time!"
+
+"Frank!" ventured the other lad, just then.
+
+"What is it, Bob?"
+
+"I thought I heard a low groan!" continued the Kentucky boy, in awed
+tones.
+
+"You did?" ejaculated Frank, quickly. "Have you any idea where it came
+from?"
+
+As if to make it quite unnecessary for Bob to reply, there came just
+then a low but distinct grunt or groan. Frank could not tell which.
+
+"Over this way, Frank; he's in this direction!" exclaimed the impulsive
+Bob, as he started to move off.
+
+"Wait a minute," said the practical and cautious Frank. "You never know
+what sort of game you're up against, around here. Some of these horse
+thieves can toll a fellow away from his camp to beat the band, while a
+mate gets off with the saddle band. I've been warned against that very
+sort of play. Go slow, Bob, and keep a finger on your trigger, I tell
+you."
+
+They advanced slowly, looking all around in the dim moonlight. Twice
+more the strange sounds arose. Frank jumped to the conclusion that it
+was, after all, no attempt to draw them farther and farther away from
+the tent; because the groans seemed to come from the one spot, instead
+of gradually moving off in a tempting manner.
+
+"Here he is, Bob!" he said, presently; and the other, looking, saw a
+huddled-up figure lying upon the ground in the midst of the low buffalo
+berry bushes.
+
+Immediately they were bending over the form, which had moved at their
+approach.
+
+"Why, it's an Indian, Frank!" cried Bob, in surprise.
+
+"Yes, and unless I miss my guess, a Moqui Indian at that," Frank
+replied. "Three of them wandered down our way once, and gave us some
+interesting exhibitions of their customs. You know their home is up to
+the north. They are said to be the descendants of the old cliff dwellers
+who made all those holes high up in the rocks, to keep out of the reach
+of enemies."
+
+He was bending down over the other even while saying this; and feeling
+to see if the Indian could have been wounded in any way.
+
+"What seems to be the matter with him, Frank?" asked Bob, when this
+thing had been going on for a full minute, the stricken man grunting,
+and Frank appearing to continue his investigations.
+
+"I tell you what," Frank remarked, presently; "I honestly believe he's
+been kicked by the heels of my sassy little Buckskin; perhaps he's badly
+hurt; and then again, he may only have had the wind knocked out of him.
+That horse is as bad as any mule you ever saw, when it comes to planting
+his heels."
+
+"But what was he prowling around the camp for?" asked Bob, who had a
+hazy idea concerning the red men of the West, gained perhaps from early
+reading of the attacks on the wagon trains of the pioneers of the
+prairie.
+
+"Oh! these Moqui Indians wouldn't do a white man any harm, unless they
+happened to take too much juice of the agave plant, in the shape of
+mescal," Frank hastened to say; "and I don't seem to get the smell of
+that stuff. So the chances are that he had something of an eye to our
+horses."
+
+"And as he didn't know about Buckskin's ways he gave the little pony a
+chance to get in some dents. But he may be badly hurt, Frank," Bob went
+on, his natural kindness of heart cropping up above any feeling of
+animosity he might have experienced.
+
+"I suppose, then, we'll just have to tote the beggar to the tent, and
+start up that fire again, while we look him over. If those hind feet
+came slap against his ribs, the chances are we'll find a few of them
+broken."
+
+Swinging their rifles into one hand they managed to take hold of the
+grunting Moqui, and in this primitive fashion began hauling him along.
+Buckskin continued to prance and snort as though demanding whether he
+had not amply fulfilled his duty as guardian to the camp; but no one
+paid the least attention to him just then. Arriving at the tent the
+boys proceeded to rekindle the fire.
+
+"Why, he's coming to, Frank!" exclaimed Bob, as, having finished his
+task, he turned to see his chum bending over the victim of Buckskin's
+hoofs, and noted that the would-be horse thief was struggling to sit up.
+
+"I don't believe he's hurt very bad," Frank declared. "I've felt all
+over his body, and don't seem to find any signs of broken bones."
+
+"Listen to him gasp right now, as if the breath had been knocked out of
+him," remarked Bob. "He's going to speak, Frank, sure he is. I wonder
+can we understand what he says. Moqui wasn't included in my education at
+the Military Institution at Frankfort."
+
+The Indian was indeed trying to get enough air in his lungs to enable
+him to say something.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+"TALK ABOUT LUCK!"
+
+
+"No hurt Havasupai!" was what he managed to say, hoarsely.
+
+"We're not going to hurt you, old man," remarked Frank; for he had seen
+that the Indian was no stripling. "What we want to know is, how you came
+to get so close to the heels of my horse as to be kicked? Tell us that,
+Havasupai, if you please."
+
+There was no answer, although twice the exhausted red man opened his
+lips as if to speak.
+
+"That knocks the props out from under him, Frank," remarked Bob;
+"because he was bent on getting away with one or both mounts."
+
+"How about that, Havasupai; weren't you thinking of stealing a horse,
+when that animal just keeled you over so neatly?" Frank demanded.
+
+The Indian was sitting up now. His head was hanging low on his chest.
+Perhaps it was shame that caused this: or it might have been a desire to
+keep his face hidden from the searching eyes of the white boys.
+
+Then, as though realizing the utter folly of denying what must appear so
+evident, he nodded his head slowly.
+
+"It is true, white boy," he muttered, in fair English. "Havasupai meant
+to take a horse. He had looked upon the man who beckons, and he was
+afraid, because he had trouble at his village. He believed every man's
+hand was against him. And so he would flee to the desert where the white
+man's big medicine would not find him. There he might die with the
+poison snakes and the whooping birds."
+
+Bob was of course puzzled by some of the things the Indian said.
+
+"What does he mean, Frank?" he asked.
+
+"I take it the warrior has been in some sort of fuss at his village,"
+the other replied. "Perhaps he even struck his chief in anger, and that
+made an offense punishable with death. These Moqui Indians are a queer
+lot, anyhow, I've heard. Then he must have skipped out, and by accident
+seeing our friend, Sheriff Stanwix, known to him as the 'man who
+beckons,' he just imagined they were looking for him."
+
+"And that locoed him so much that he just couldn't stand it any longer,"
+Bob said. "Discovering our camp he got the notion in his head that a
+horse might take him out of the danger zone. So he was in the act of
+jumping on one of our mounts when your clever little beast took a hand,
+or rather a hoof, in the matter. But do you know what he means by
+whooping birds?"
+
+"Well, I can give a guess," replied Frank. "That must mean the little
+owl that lives with the prairie dogs in their holes, along with the
+poison snake, otherwise the rattler."
+
+"Looks like we've just got our hands full to-night, Frank!"
+
+"You're right, Bob. First we feed two hungry sheriffs, and pick up quite
+a little news about the bad men they're looking for. Next, along comes
+this Moqui, Havasupai he says his name is, and he gets in a bad fix by
+trying to run off our horses; and feeling sorry for the old chap we lug
+him to our tent, and look him over, ready to even bind up his wounds, if
+he has any."
+
+"Getting to be a habit, isn't it, Frank?"
+
+"Seems like it," returned the taller boy, as he once more turned toward
+the seated Indian. "Here, can you tell us where my horse kicked you?"
+
+"It matters not much. Havasupai get what he needs because he try to
+steal horse from good white boys," came the humble reply.
+
+"One thing sure," remarked Frank aside to his chum, "he's been in touch
+with the whites a heap, or he wouldn't know how to talk as he does. But
+then, that isn't so queer. You know that these Moquis pick up a lot of
+good coin from the travelers who come and go at the Grand Canyon."
+
+"Why, yes," Bob went on to say, "I've always heard that one of the
+sights of this wonderland was the snake dance of the Moquis. I read an
+account of it in a magazine once. It said that hundreds of people
+gathered from many quarters to be on hand and see it, because it occurs
+only once a year. Some of them were big guns in science, too."
+
+"They're getting more and more interested in these Indians of the
+Southwest," Frank continued; "and trying all the time to find out just
+where they fit in the long-ago past. That's what made old Uncle Felix,
+who had already made a name for himself, give up his happy home, and
+hide all these months down here. He wants to learn the long-buried
+secrets of the past history of the Zunis, the Moquis, and other tribes
+that might have sprung from the old cliff builders."
+
+"But what can we do with this fellow, Frank?"
+
+"Oh! well, nothing much, I reckon," the other answered, carelessly. "He
+must have been plum locoed at seeing the sheriff, and hardly knew what
+he was doing when he set out to grab Buckskin. We'll just have to let
+him sleep here till morning, and then give him a bite of breakfast."
+
+"Just as you say, Frank; you ought to know what's best," Bob hastened to
+declare. "Now I wonder what'll be the next thing on the programme? I
+hope we don't have the two men the sheriff is hunting, drop in to make
+us a call."
+
+"Little danger of that now," Frank remarked reassuringly. "By this time
+they're well on their way to Flagstaff. Here, Havasupai, as you call
+yourself; we don't mean to do you any harm, even if you did play us a
+mean trick when you tried to steal a mount. Understand?"
+
+The old Indian looked up at Frank through his masses of coarse black
+hair, just beginning to be streaked with gray.
+
+"Not do any harm," he repeated, as though hardly able to grasp the
+meaning of the words Frank spoke; then his brown face lighted up with a
+grim smile. "White boys good; Havasupai glad him not take horse. Bad
+Indian! But not always that way; him carry speaking paper tell how make
+good," and he thumped his breast as he said this.
+
+Again did Bob's eyes seek the face of his chum in a questioning manner.
+Frank, having been raised amid such scenes, could more readily
+understand what the Moqui meant when he referred to certain things which
+Bob had never heard mentioned before.
+
+"He means that he's got a letter of recommendation along with him,
+written by some tourist, I reckon. Perhaps this old fellow may have
+found a chance to do some one a good turn. He may have run across a
+greenhorn wandering on the desert; saved a fellow who had been stabbed
+by the fangs of a viper from the Gila; or helped him to camp when he
+broke a leg in climbing around the Grand Canyon."
+
+"Oh! I see what you mean, Frank; that this party wrote out a
+recommendation to all concerned, stating that in his opinion Havasupai
+was a fine fellow, and worth trusting. But then that was before he got
+into this trouble at this village. If he's a fugitive from justice at
+the hands of his own tribe, such a paper isn't worth much, I guess."
+
+"No more it isn't," agreed Frank.
+
+"But all the same he means to stick us with it," chuckled Bob; "for you
+can see he's got his hand in his shirt right now, as if searching for
+something so valuable that he won't even carry it in his ditty bag."
+
+"That's right, Bob."
+
+"And now he's got in touch with that old letter," grunted Bob. "I
+suppose we'll just have to read it to please him."
+
+"You can if you care to," remarked Frank. "As for me, I'm that sleepy I
+only want a chance to crawl back into the tent, and take up my
+interrupted nap where it broke off."
+
+"But good gracious! do you really mean it?" exclaimed the puzzled Bob.
+
+"Why not?" demanded his chum.
+
+"And leave him loose here, with the horses close by?" Bob went on,
+aghast.
+
+At that Frank laughed a little.
+
+"Well," he said, drily; "so far as the horses are concerned, I reckon
+our old friend Havasupai will go a long way on foot before he ever tries
+to steal a promising looking pony again. As long as he lives he'll
+remember how it feels to get a pair of hoofs fairly planted against his
+back. So long, Bob. Tell the old fraud he can lie down anywhere he
+pleases, and share our breakfast in the morning."
+
+"That's the way you rub it in, Frank; returning evil with good," the
+Kentucky boy remarked. "But since you want me to take him in hand, I'll
+be the victim, and read his letter of recommendation, though I can
+already guess what it will say."
+
+The old Moqui had meanwhile succeeded in getting out the paper which he
+seemed to set so much store by. Looking up, and seeing that Frank had
+turned away, he offered it to Bob, who took it gravely, and proceeded to
+hold it so that the light of the little fire would fall upon the
+writing.
+
+Frank was half way in the tent when he heard his chum give utterance to
+a shout. He backed out again, and turning, looked hastily, half
+expecting to see Bob engaged in a tussle with the old Indian.
+
+Nothing of the sort met his gaze. The Moqui was sitting there, staring
+at Bob, who had straightened up, and was starting to dance around,
+holding the paper in his extended hand.
+
+"What ails you, Bob?" demanded the other. "Haven't been taken with a
+sudden pain, after all that venison you stowed away, I hope."
+
+"Come out here, Frank!" called the lad by the fire. "Of all the luck! to
+think we'd strike such a piece as this! It's rich! It's the finest ever!
+We go to hunt for clues, and here they come straight to us. Talk to me
+about the favors of fortune, why, we're in it up to the neck!"
+
+"You seem to be tickled about something, Bob; has that paper any
+connection with it?" demanded Frank.
+
+"Well I should say, yes, by a big jugfull," replied the Kentucky boy.
+"And you'll agree with me when I tell you it's signed by Professor Felix
+Oswald, the very man we're going to search the Grand Canyon up and down
+to find!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE COPPER COLORED MESSENGER
+
+
+"Do you really mean it, Bob?" asked Frank, with the bewildered air of
+one who suspects a joke.
+
+"Take it yourself, and see," replied the other, holding out the
+discolored and wrinkled sheet on which the writing was still plainly to
+be read.
+
+Frank bent over, the better to allow the firelight to fall upon the
+queer document. This was what he read in a rather crabbed hand, though
+the writing could be read fairly well:
+
+_"To Whom it May Concern; Greeting!_
+
+"This is to certify to the good character of the bearer, a Moqui Indian
+by the name of Havasupai, who has rendered me a very great service,
+which proves him to be the friend of the white man, and a believer in
+the pursuit of science. I cheerfully recommend him to all who may be in
+need of a trustworthy and capable guide to the Grand Canyon.
+
+"PROFESSOR OSWALD."
+
+Frank looked up to see the grinning face of his chum thrust close to
+him.
+
+"Think it's genuine, Frank?" demanded the other.
+
+"I can see no reason why it shouldn't be," answered the other, glancing
+down again at the crumpled paper he held, and which the old Moqui was
+regarding with the greatest of pride on his brown face.
+
+"Looks like that paper Mr. Hinchman brought to my dad; yes, I'd stake my
+word on it, Bob, that the same hand wrote both."
+
+"But how d'ye suppose this greasy old Indian ever got the document?"
+asked the young Kentuckian.
+
+"We'll have to put it up to him, and find out," came the reply. "He can
+speak United States all right; we've found that out already; and so you
+see, there's no reason under the sun why he shouldn't want to tell us."
+
+He turned to the Moqui. It was not the same sleepy boy apparently who,
+but a minute before, had started to creep into the comfortable tent,
+where the blankets lay; but a wide-awake fellow, eager to ascertain
+under what conditions this fugitive brave could have secured such a
+letter of recommendation from the man of science, who was supposed to
+have utterly vanished from the haunts of men without leaving a single
+trace behind, up to the hour that message came to Colonel Haywood.
+
+Holding the paper up, and shaking it slightly, Frank started to put the
+Moqui warrior on the rack.
+
+"This belong to you, Havasupai?" he demanded, trying to assume a stern
+manner, such as he believed would affect the other more or less, and be
+apt to bring out straight answers to his leading questions.
+
+"The white boy has said," answered the other, for an Indian seldom
+answers in a direct way.
+
+"Where did you get it?" Frank continued, slowly, as if feeling his way;
+for he did not wish to alarm the Indian, knowing how obstinate a Moqui
+may prove if he once suspects that he is being coaxed into betraying
+some secret or a friend.
+
+The black, bead-like eyes were on the face of Frank as he put these
+questions. Doubtless the old Moqui balanced every one well before
+venturing a reply.
+
+"He gave it," nodding in the direction of the paper Frank held.
+
+"Do you mean the man who signed his name here, Professor Oswald?"
+
+A nod of the head in the affirmative settled that question.
+
+"Was he a small man with a bald head, no hair on top, and wearing
+glasses over his eyes, big, staring glasses?"
+
+Frank aided comprehension by touching the top of his own head when
+speaking about the loss of hair on the part of the noted scientist; and
+then made rings with his fingers and thumbs which he clapped to his eyes
+as though looking through a pair of spectacles.
+
+Evidently the Moqui understood. Reading signs was a part of his early
+education. In fact it comprised nearly four-fifths of all the Indian
+knew.
+
+"White boy heap wise; he know that the man give Havasupai talking paper.
+Much great man; know all. Tell Havasupai about cliff men. Find much good
+cook pot, heap more stuff in cave. Find out how cave men live. Write all
+down in book. Send Havasupai one, promise. It is well!"
+
+"But where did you meet him?" asked Frank; and he saw at once that this
+was getting very near the danger line, judging from the manner in which
+the Moqui acted; for he seemed to draw back, just as the alarmed
+tortoise will hide its head in its shell at the first sign of peril.
+
+"In canyon where picture rocks laugh at sun," the Indian slowly said.
+
+"That ought to stand for the Grand Canyon," remarked the boy.
+
+The keen ears of the Moqui caught the words, although they were almost
+spoken in whispers, and only intended for Bob.
+
+He nodded violently, and Frank somehow found himself wondering whether,
+after all, the shrewd Indian might not be wanting to deceive him. He may
+have conceived the idea that these two white boys were the enemies of
+the queer old professor; and for that reason would be careful how he
+betrayed the man who trusted him.
+
+"Listen, Moqui," said Frank, putting on a serious manner, so as to
+impress the other; "we are the friends of the little-old-man who has no
+hair on top of his head. We want to see him, talk with him! It means
+much good to him. He will be glad if you help us find him. Do you
+understand that?"
+
+The Indian's black eyes roved from one to the other of those bright
+young faces. Apparently he would be foolish to suspect even for a minute
+that the two lads could have any evil design in their minds.
+
+Still, the crafty look on his brown face grew more intense.
+
+"He has some good reason for refusing to accommodate us, I'm afraid,"
+Bob said just then, as if he too had read the signs of that set
+countenance.
+
+"Why don't you answer me, Moqui?" Frank insisted, bent on knowing the
+worst. "We are on the way now to find the man who gave you this letter
+that talks. We have some good news for him. And you can help us if you
+will only tell in what part of the Grand Canyon Echo Cave lies."
+
+The Indian seemed to ponder. Evidently his mind worked slowly, when it
+tried to grapple with secrets. But one thing he knew, and this must be
+some solemn promise he had made the man of science, never under any
+conditions to betray his hiding-place to a living soul.
+
+"No can say; in canyon where picture rocks lie; that all," he finally
+declared, and Frank knew Indians well enough to feel sure that no
+torture could be painful enough to induce Havasupai to betray one he
+believed his friend, and whose magic talking paper he carried inside his
+shirt, to prove his good character.
+
+"That settles it, Bob, I'm afraid," he remarked to his chum, who had
+been listening eagerly to all that was being said. "You might try all
+sorts of terrible things and he wouldn't whisper a word, even if he
+believed all we told him."
+
+"That's tough," observed Bob; "but anyhow, we've got something out of it
+all, because we know now that the silly old professor must be hiding in
+one of those cliff caves, trying to read up the whole life history of
+the queer people who dug their homes out of the solid rock, tier after
+tier, away up the face of the cliffs."
+
+"True for you, Bob, and I'm glad to see how you take it. I had hoped the
+Moqui might make our job easier, as he could do, all right, if only he
+wanted to tell us a few things. But we're no worse off than we were
+before, in all things, and some better in a few."
+
+"I wish I could talk Moqui," declared Bob; "and perhaps then I'd be able
+to make the old fellow understand. Perhaps, Frank, if you gave him a
+little note to Uncle Felix, he might promise to take it to him later
+on!"
+
+"Hello! that's a good idea, I declare," exclaimed Frank; "and I'll just
+do that same while I think of it."
+
+He immediately drew out a pad of paper, and a fountain pen which he
+often carried for business purposes, since there were times when he had
+to sign documents as a witness for his father.
+
+The old Moqui watched him closely. Evidently the spider-like handwriting
+was a deep mystery to him, and he must always feel a certain amount of
+respect for any white person who could communicate with another by means
+of the "talking paper."
+
+"There," said Frank, presently, "that ought to do the business, I
+reckon."
+
+"What did you say?" asked his comrade, who was busy at the fire just
+then, drawing some of the partly-burned wood aside, so that their supply
+might hold out in the morning.
+
+"Oh!" Frank went on, "I told him dad had his note, sent in that bottle.
+Then I mentioned the important fact that the mine paper he carried had
+increased in value thousands of dollars. And I wound up by telling him
+how much we wanted to see and talk with him. I signed my name, and
+yours, to the note."
+
+"And now to see whether the Moqui will promise to carry it to your
+great-uncle."
+
+Frank held the note up.
+
+"You will not tell us where we can find the little man without any hair
+on his head, Havasupai," he said. "But surely you will not say no when I
+ask you to carry this talking paper to him. It will please him very
+much. He will shake your hand, and many times thank you. How?"
+
+The cautious old Moqui seemed to be weighing chances in his suspicious
+mind.
+
+"Three to one he thinks we mean to spy on him, and find it all out that
+way," was Bob's quick opinion.
+
+"Just what was in my mind; I could read it in his sly old face. But all
+the same he's going to consent, Bob."
+
+The Kentucky boy wondered how Frank could tell this. He was even more
+surprised when the Indian stretched out a hand for the note, as he said
+solemnly:
+
+"Havasupai will carry the talking paper to the man who has no hair on
+his head. But no eye must see him do it. The white boys must say to
+Havasupai that they will not try to follow him."
+
+Frank looked at his chum, and nodded.
+
+"We'll just have to do it, I guess, to satisfy the suspicious old fraud,
+Bob," he remarked; and then raising his hand, while his chum did
+likewise Frank went on, addressing the Moqui, who watched every action
+with glittering black eyes: "We promise not to follow, Havasupai, and
+will hope that this talking paper may cause the man-who-hides to send
+you for us to take us to him. You understand all that I am saying, don't
+you?"
+
+The Moqui said something in his native language, which of course neither
+of them comprehended. But at the same time he reached out his hand and
+deliberately took the note intended for Uncle Felix.
+
+"Hurrah! he's going to act as our messenger!" exclaimed Bob, filled with
+anticipations of success. "Say, that was a pretty smart dodge on our
+part, after all. But it makes me hold my breath every time I think of
+our good luck in running across this chap the way we did. And Buckskin
+deserves all the credit. He did it with his wonderful little tap."
+
+"All right," said Frank; "me for the land of sleep now! Havasupai, you
+can lie down where you will. In the morning we promise you a share of
+our meat. How?"
+
+"It is well, white boy," replied the old Moqui, as he dropped in a heap,
+and evidently meant to sleep just as he was without any further
+preparations.
+
+Bob also crawled into the tent, although he had some misgivings, and
+wondered whether his chum were really doing a wise thing to trust one
+who had just confessed to a desire to raid their horses.
+
+But as Bob, too, was tired and sleepy, he soon forgot all his suspicions
+in slumber. When he awoke he could see the daylight peeping under the
+canvas. Without disturbing his companion, Bob immediately started to
+crawl out. He had suddenly remembered the old Moqui; and it seemed as
+though his fears must have returned two-fold, and nothing would do but
+that he must hasten to make sure all was well.
+
+Frank was just opening his eyes a little while later when he saw Bob's
+head thrust in at the opening of the tent.
+
+"Better get up, Frank," the other said. "I've started the fire, and
+after we've had breakfast we'll be on our way. It was just as you said,
+though; he had the good sense to keep clear of the heels of the horses."
+
+"Who are you talking about, the Moqui?" asked Frank, sitting up
+suddenly, as he caught a peculiar strain in the other's voice.
+
+"Yes, our friend, Havasupai; who vamoosed in the night!" laughed Bob.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+AT THE GRAND CANYON
+
+
+"Do you mean it?" asked Frank.
+
+"Come out, and see for yourself," Bob returned. "I've looked all around,
+and not a sign of the old fellow can I find."
+
+"And both horses are there?" Frank continued, making a break for the
+exit.
+
+"As fine as you please. Our friend didn't want a second try from those
+clever heels of Buckskin. He gave them a wide berth when he cleared out,
+I warrant. Oh! you can look everywhere, and you won't see a whiff of
+Havasupai. He's skipped by the light of the moon, all right."
+
+Bob backed off, as his chum walked this way and that. He grinned as
+though he really enjoyed the whole thing. In his mind he had figured
+that it would turn out something this way, so he was not very much
+surprised.
+
+"What d'ye think, Frank," he exclaimed, presently; "don't you remember
+promising to share our venison at breakfast with the Moqui?"
+
+"Why yes, to be sure I do; but what of that, Bob?"
+
+"Only that he didn't forget," laughed the other.
+
+Frank immediately glanced toward the carcase of the little antelope.
+
+"Ginger! he did go and cut himself a piece from it, sure enough," he
+admitted.
+
+"While he thought our company not as nice as our room, still, he didn't
+object to sharing our meat. And, Frank, he wasn't at all stingy about
+the amount he took, either," Bob complained.
+
+"Oh! well, I reckon there's still enough for us, and to spare. Besides,
+we've got heaps of other things along in our packs, for an emergency,
+you know. Suppose we make a pot of coffee, and start things."
+
+"That's all right, Frank; I'll attend to it," declared Bob; "but why
+under the sun do you suppose now, that sly old Moqui dodged out like
+that?"
+
+"Well, for one thing, he may have suspected us," replied Frank.
+
+"What! after all we did for him, took him in, and forgave his sins, even
+to offering to mend any broken ribs, if he'd had any, through that horse
+kick? I can't just understand that," Bob ventured, while he measured out
+enough ground coffee to make a pot of the tempting hot beverage.
+
+"He took the alarm, it seems," Frank went on, indifferently. "Knew we
+wanted to find the man who had given him the talking paper; and was
+afraid we might try to make him tell; or, that failing, stalk him when
+he went to deliver my note. And on the whole I can't much blame the old
+Indian. Suspicion is a part of their nature. He believed he was on the
+safe side in slipping away as he did. Forget it, Bob. We've learned a
+heap by his just dropping in on us, I think."
+
+"Sure we have," replied the other, being busily employed over the fire
+just then. "And I was thinking what he could have meant when he pointed
+off in the direction I calculate the Grand Canyon lies, and said in
+answer to one of your questions: 'Seek there! When the sun is red it
+shines in Echo Cave!'"
+
+"I've guessed that riddle, and it was easy," Frank remarked.
+
+"Then let me hear about it, because I'm pretty dull when it comes to
+understanding all this lovely sign language of the Indians," Bob
+remarked.
+
+"Listen, then. The sun is said to be red when its setting; that's plain
+enough; isn't it, Bob?"
+
+"All O.K. so far, Frank. I won't forget that in a hurry, either."
+
+"Then, when he said it looked into the cave at sunset, it was another
+way of telling us the cave faced the west!" Frank continued.
+
+"Well, what a silly chap I was not to guess that," chuckled the other.
+
+"And from what I know about the bigness of that canyon, Bob, I think
+that this unknown Echo Cave must be pretty high up on the face of a big
+cliff to the east of the river."
+
+"Why high up? I don't get on to any reason for your saying that?"
+inquired Bob.
+
+"You'll see it just as soon as I mention why," remarked his companion.
+"When the sun is going down in the west, far beyond the horizon, don't
+you see that it can only shine along the very upper part of the cliffs?
+The lower part is already lost in the shadows that drop late in the
+afternoon in all canyons."
+
+"Of course, and it's as plain to me now as the nose on my face," agreed
+Bob. "Queer, how easy we see these things after they've been explained."
+
+It did not take long to prepare breakfast, and still less time to eat it
+once the coffee and venison were ready. Just as Frank had said, there
+was plenty of the meat for the meal.
+
+"That was a mighty juicy little antelope, all right," remarked Bob, as
+he finished his last bite, and prepared to get up from the ground where
+he had been enjoying his ease during the meal.
+
+"And for one I don't care how soon you repeat the dose," remarked Frank;
+"only it will be a long day before you get one of the timid little
+beasts as easy as that accommodating chap fell to your gun. Why, he was
+just a gift, that's all you could call it, Bob."
+
+"That's what I've been thinking myself, though of course I don't know as
+much about them as you do, by a long shot," Bob admitted. "I suppose
+it's us to hit the saddle again now?"
+
+"We're going to try and make Flagstaff by night," Frank announced, as he
+picked up his saddle and bridle, and walked toward the spot where
+Buckskin was staked out.
+
+The horses had been able to drink all they wanted during the night, for
+the ropes by means of which they were tethered allowed of a range that
+took them to the little spring hole from which the water gushed, to run
+away, and, in the end, possibly unite with the wonderful Colorado.
+
+In ten minutes more the boys were off at a round gallop. There was no
+intention of pushing their mounts so soon in the day. Like most persons
+who have spent much time on horseback both lads knew the poor policy of
+urging an animal to its best speed in the early part of a journey,
+especially one that is to be prolonged for ten or twelve hours.
+
+At noon they were far enough advanced for Frank to declare he had no
+doubt about being able to make Flagstaff before sunset.
+
+"When we get there, and spend a night at the hotel, we must remember
+and ask if our friend Mr. Stanwix and his partner arrived in good time,
+and went on," Bob suggested.
+
+Just as Frank had expected, they made the town on the railroad before
+the sun had dropped out of sight; and the horses were in fair condition
+at that.
+
+Flagstaff only boasts of a normal population of between one and two
+thousand; but there are times, with the influx of tourists bound for the
+Grand Canyon, when it is a lively little place.
+
+The two boys only desired shelter and rest for themselves and their
+horses during the night. It was their intention to push on early the
+following day, keeping along the old wagon trail that at one time was
+the sole means of reaching the then little known Wonderland along the
+deeply sunk Colorado.
+
+After a fairly pleasant night, they had an early breakfast. The horses
+proved to be in fine fettle, and eager for the long gallop. So the two
+saddle boys once more started forth.
+
+The day promised to be still warmer than the preceding one; and the
+first part of the journey presented some rather difficult problems. They
+managed to put the San Francisco Mountains behind them, however, and
+from that on the dash was for the most part over a fairly level plateau.
+
+Now and then they were threading the trail through great pine forests,
+and again it was a mesa that opened up before them.
+
+Bob was especially delighted.
+
+"Think we'll make it, Frank?" he asked, about the middle of the
+afternoon, as they cantered along, side by side, the horses by this time
+having had pretty much all their "ginger" as Bob called it taken out of
+them, though still able to respond to a sudden emergency, had one
+arisen.
+
+"I reckon so," replied the other. "According to my map we're within
+striking distance right now. Given two more hours, and we'll possibly
+sight the border of the big hole. That was Red Horse Tank we just
+passed, you know," and he pointed out their position on the little chart
+to Bob.
+
+It was half an hour to sundown when the well known Grand View Hotel
+stood out in plain sight before them; and before the shades of night
+commenced to fall, the tired boys had thrown themselves from their
+saddles, seen to the comfort of the faithful steeds, and mounted to the
+porch of the hotel for a flitting view of the amazing spectacle that
+spread itself before them, ere darkness hid its wonderful and majestic
+beauty.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+HOW THE LITTLE TRAP WORKED
+
+
+"What do you think of it?" asked Frank, after they had stood there a
+short time, taking in the picture as seen in the late afternoon.
+
+"It's hard to tell," Bob replied slowly. "It's so terribly big, that a
+fellow ought to take his time letting the thing soak in. That further
+wall looks as if you could throw a stone over to it; and yet they say
+it's more than a mile from here."
+
+"Yes," Frank went on, "and all along in the Grand Canyon there are what
+seem to be little hills, every one of which is a mountain in itself.
+They only look small in comparison with the tremendous size of the
+biggest gap in the whole world."
+
+"And how far does this thing run--is it fifty miles in length?" Bob
+asked.
+
+"I understand that the river runs through this canyon over two hundred
+miles," the other replied. "And all the way there are scores, if not
+hundreds, of smaller canyons and 'washes,' reaching out like the fingers
+of a whopping big hand; or the feelers of a centipede."
+
+"That's what I read about it away back; but I had forgotten," Bob
+remarked. "And they say that it would be a year's trip to try and follow
+the Grand Canyon all the way down from beginning to end, only on one
+side."
+
+"I reckon it would, for you'd have to trace every one of these lateral
+gashes up to its source, so as to cross over. And that would mean
+thousands of miles to be covered."
+
+"Gee!" exclaimed Bob, throwing up his hands as he spoke; "when you say
+that, it makes a fellow have some little idea of the size of this hole.
+And to think it's come just by the river eating away the soil!"
+
+"They call that erosion," remarked Frank, who had of course posted
+himself on many of these facts, during his previous visit to the canyons
+of the Little Colorado. "It's been going on for untold thousands of
+years; and as the river with its tributaries has gradually eaten away
+the soil and rocks, it has left the grandest pictured and colored walls
+ever seen in any part of this old earth."
+
+"When that afternoon sun shines on the red rocks it makes them look
+almost like blood," declared Bob. "And already I'm glad we came. I think
+just now I could be happy spending months prowling around here, finding
+new pictures every day."
+
+"Then you don't blame old Uncle Felix for staying, do you?" laughed
+Frank.
+
+"Sure I don't," returned the other lad, with vehemence. "And besides,
+you must remember that he had another string to his bow."
+
+"Meaning his craze to be the fortunate man of science to unravel the
+mystery that has always hung over the homes of those cliff dwellers?"
+Frank went on.
+
+"I can understand how it must appeal to a man living as Professor Felix
+has all these years," mused Bob. "And think of those queer old fellows
+picking out this one place of all the wide country to build their
+homes."
+
+"That was because there could be no place that offered them a tenth of
+the advantages this did," Frank remarked, pointing across the wide chasm
+to the towering heights that could be seen. "Think of hundreds of miles
+of such cliffs to choose from! And as the softer rock was washed out by
+the action of floods countless ages ago, leaving the harder in the shape
+of astonishing shelves and buttes, these people took a lesson from
+nature, and carved their roomy homes by following the pliable stone."
+
+"Say," Bob exclaimed, "that makes me think of what I read about the
+catacombs of Rome; how, for hundreds of miles, they run in every
+direction, following the course of veins of earth in the rock, that
+were selected by those who dug 'em."
+
+"Of course," said Frank, "these people built their homes up in the
+cliffs in order to be safe. Nobody seems to know what they were afraid
+of, whether savage tribes, or great beasts that may have roamed this
+part of the country a thousand and more years ago."
+
+"And that's the bait that has drawn the old scientist here, to study it
+all out, and write up the history of the people who looked on this very
+picture so many hundreds of years back. Why, Frank, some of the cliffs
+they say are about a mile high! That's hard to believe, for a fact."
+
+"But it's been proved true," the other asserted. "The trouble is, that
+everything here is on such an awful big scale that a fellow fools
+himself. Actual measurement is the only way to prove things. The eye
+goes back on you. Why, I've looked out on a clear day in Colorado, and
+believed I could walk to a mountain in an hour. They told me it's base
+was fifty miles away; and there you are."
+
+"Well, we'll have to put off looking till morning," said Bob,
+regretfully; "because the sun's dropped out of sight, and it's getting
+pretty thick down there in the hole. And to think that to-morrow we'll
+be pushing along through that place, with the walls shutting us in on
+both sides."
+
+"Not only to-morrow, but for many days, perhaps," Frank added; for more
+than ever did he begin to realize the enormous task that confronted
+them; it was almost like looking for a needle in a haystack; but if one
+possesses a powerful magnet, even then the bit of steel may be recovered
+in time.
+
+Did they happen to know of any such magnet?
+
+Almost unconsciously Frank's thoughts went out toward that old Moqui
+brave, Havasupai, who had fled from his village because of some act
+which he had committed; but who was now determined to return, and take
+his punishment with the stoicism Indians have always shown.
+
+The Moqui might be the connecting link! He alone knew where the hermit
+had his lodging, possibly in one of those quaint series of cliff
+dwellers' homes, which for some reason he called Echo Cave.
+
+"We must ask if our friend Sheriff Stanwix has been here," Bob
+suggested, as they went to their room to prepare for supper.
+
+"Oh!" replied his chum, "I did that when I spoke with the clerk at the
+desk. You were looking after the ponies at the time, so as to make sure
+they'd be well taken care of for a week, or a month if necessary."
+
+"And what did he tell you, Frank?"
+
+"They got here, all right," came the reply. "If you'd looked sharp when
+you were out there in the hotel stables, you might have recognized both
+their mounts; for they left them here at noon to-day."
+
+"Noon!" echoed Bob; "then they made mighty good work of it, to get ahead
+of us all that time. I reckon you're going to tell me they've gone down
+into the canyon, and put in several hours looking for their birds, the
+two fellows who've given 'em the merry laugh more'n a few times."
+
+"Guessed right the first shot," Frank went on, "but all that doesn't
+concern us one half as much as some other information I struck."
+
+"And you've been keeping it back from me, while we stood there on the
+piazza, admiring the wonderful view," Bob remarked, with a touch of
+reproach in his voice.
+
+"There were people passing us, all the time," his chum explained; "and
+besides, I wanted to keep it until we were alone, so we could talk it
+over."
+
+"Is it about that scheming cousin of your father's--what did you say his
+name was--Eugene Warringford?"
+
+"You got it straight enough," Frank admitted; "and what I learned, was
+about him. I saw his name on the register, and he's somewhere about the
+hotel right now. I had a suspicion that I saw some one trying to get
+near us while we stood there, drinking in that picture; and Bob, while I
+couldn't just hold up my hand and say for sure, I think it was that
+tricky Abajo."
+
+"The half-breed cowboy who left Circle Ranch because he had some news
+for this Eugene that the fellow would be apt to consider mighty
+valuable, because it meant a stake of a million or two dollars; is that
+right, Frank?"
+
+"The same Abajo," his chum continued; "which proves that those two are
+bound up in a plot to win this game. If Eugene can only find Uncle Felix
+he intends to get that paper in his possession, by fair means or foul."
+
+"Then it's up to us to put a stopper in his little bottle!" declared
+Bob.
+
+"I'm wondering," Frank proceeded, "whether they've got any idea where to
+look for the man who has hidden himself away for three years. Perhaps
+they mean to keep tabs on us, and if we are lucky enough to discover
+Uncle Felix, they hope to jump in, and snatch away the prize before we
+can warn him."
+
+"Say, this is getting to be a pretty mix-up all around," laughed the
+Kentucky lad. "Here we are, meaning to try and follow the old Moqui; or
+failing that, wait for him to fetch us a message from the hermit of Echo
+Cave. Then Eugene, and his shadow, Abajo, are hanging around with the
+idea of beating us at our game. Havasupai on his part will be heading
+for the cave that lies in an unknown part of the Grand Canyon, and all
+the while dodging about for fear that he is followed."
+
+"Yes," added Frank, falling in with the idea; "and perhaps there are the
+Moquis from his village who may have had word somehow of his return,
+searching for Havasupai, and bent on bringing him to the bar of their
+tribal law. To finish the game, think of our friends, the two sheriffs,
+loose in the big gash, and hunting for the men who have snapped their
+fingers in their faces so often across the line!"
+
+"Well, it sure looks like there might be some warm times coming,"
+remarked Bob. "I suppose we take our guns along with us when we're going
+the rounds of the sights?"
+
+"Wouldn't think of doing anything else," was Frank's reply. "No telling
+when we might need 'em. Suppose, now, those two rascals the sheriffs are
+after should learn in some way about the value of the paper Uncle Felix
+has with him, wouldn't they just make it the game of their lives to try
+and capture him? And I reckon Eugene, too, will be so dead in earnest
+that he won't stop at little things, backed up by such a reckless
+character as the Mexican. Yes, the repeating rifles go along, Bob!"
+
+"This water feels fine after that long, dusty and tiresome ride, eh?"
+remarked the young Kentuckian, as he splashed in the deep basin, and
+then proceeded to use the towel vigorously.
+
+"It certainly does," Frank admitted, as he did likewise.
+
+Shortly afterward the two boys went down to supper. The hotel had its
+usual number of guests, this being a favorite point for parties to start
+on the tour.
+
+"Don't look just now," said Frank, as they sat at a table; "but Abajo
+has taken his seat right back of you. And it wasn't accident, either,
+that made him do it; I believe he has been set to watch us!"
+
+From time to time, as they ate, Frank would report as to what the
+half-breed was doing; and while nothing occurred to actually prove the
+fact, still he saw no reason to change his mind.
+
+"And I'm going to find out if he's keeping an eye on us, so as to report
+to his employer, Eugene Warringford," Frank announced, as they were
+drawing near the end of the meal.
+
+"That sounds good to me," Bob remarked; "but how will you do it?"
+
+For answer Frank drew out a paper from an inner pocket.
+
+"You see this document," he observed, with a solemn look. "Well, it's
+only what you might call a dummy, being just an invitation I received a
+little while back to invest in some worthless mines over in the Hualpai
+Mountains of Mohave County. I kept it, meaning to figure out how these
+sharpers work their game. Now, when I hand you this, look deeply
+interested, as though it might be connected with the finding of Uncle
+Felix."
+
+"Oh! I see your move, and go you one better, Frank."
+
+For some little time they seemed to be conversing intently. Frank would
+occasionally tap the document, which he had sealed up in its envelope,
+as though he laid great stress on it. Finally he placed it on the table
+alongside his plate, and kept on talking.
+
+Shortly afterward the boys left the table in apparently such a hurry
+that they both forgot the envelope that lay there, half hidden by a
+napkin.
+
+Passing out of the room, they dodged back, and peered around the corner
+of the doorway.
+
+"There's the waiter at the table," said Bob. "Now he's found the fine
+tip you left there, and is putting it in his pocket, with a grin. If
+everybody treated him as well as that, he'd soon be owning one of these
+hotels himself, Frank."
+
+"Watch!" remarked his chum, in a low whisper. "Now he's discovered the
+document lying there where I left it. He takes it up. Perhaps he sees
+another dollar coming to him when he runs after us to return it."
+
+"But there's somebody at his elbow," Bob went on to say; "and it's
+Abajo, as sure as you live. He's saying something, and I reckon telling
+the waiter that you asked him to get the packet. There, he slips some
+money in the fellow's hand; and the waiter lets him take the envelope.
+And we'd better slip behind this coat rack here, for Abajo will be
+heading this way in a hurry."
+
+And hardly had they carried out that programme ere the half-breed glided
+past, one hand held in the pocket where he had thrust the "valuable"
+document!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+GOING DOWN THE CANYON TRAIL
+
+
+"Was I right?" asked Frank, after the half-breed had disappeared.
+
+"I should say yes," replied his chum, who had followed the vanishing
+figure of Abajo with staring eyes.
+
+"He got the precious paper, all right, eh?" Frank went on, chuckling.
+
+"He sure did, and bribed our friend the waiter to let him carry it off.
+Shows how you can trust anybody in the tourist country, where they are
+nearly all out for the money," Bob declared, indignation struggling hard
+with a sense of humor.
+
+"But just stop and think how easy Abajo, sharp rascal that he is, rose
+to my little bait?" laughed Frank. "Just as I expected, he was watching
+us all the time we examined that wonderful paper, and of course he
+believed it to be something for which his employer would reward him
+heavily, if he could only lay hands on it."
+
+Bob himself was laughing now, as the full sense of the ridiculous
+character of Frank's little joke broke upon him.
+
+"Oh! my, think what will happen when Mr. Warringford tears open that
+envelope, and sees how his spy has been fooled!" he exclaimed.
+
+"There's only one bad thing about it, Bob!"
+
+"What is that?" inquired the other.
+
+"Eugene is, I take it, a clever fellow," said Frank, seriously; "and
+he'll understand that this was done with a purpose. It will make him
+suspect that we're onto the game, and that we know he has the half-breed
+watching our every move."
+
+"Well, what of that, Frank?"
+
+"Nothing, only after this we may expect they'll change their tactics
+more or less, and play on another string of the fiddle," the other
+saddle boy replied.
+
+"All right," Bob remarked. "Forewarned is forearmed, they say; and if we
+know Eugene is laying low for us, we can be on our guard."
+
+"Yes, that's all very good," Frank went on, shaking his head; "but once
+we get into the big canyon it may pay us to keep an eye out for
+overhanging rocks."
+
+"Say, you don't mean to tell me you think Eugene would go that far?"
+demanded Bob, startled at the very idea of such a thing.
+
+"I don't like to think he would; but you never can tell," Frank replied.
+"When a man like Eugene Warringford sells his soul, and with a chance of
+getting a big stake, he is generally ready to shut his eyes, and go the
+limit."
+
+"But, Frank, that would be terrible! One of those rocks, coming down
+from the face of a high cliff, would seriously injure us!"
+
+"Sure it would, and on that account we must keep on the watch all the
+time," Frank continued. "But I don't see Abajo anywhere about the piazza
+of the hotel; do you?"
+
+"He's gone, and I reckon to carry that wonderful find of his to the man
+who employs him," Bob remarked. "Wouldn't I give a dollar to be hiding
+close by when he runs across Eugene, and they open the envelope you
+sealed! Wow! it will be a regular circus! Can't you imagine that yellow
+face of the half-breed turning more like saffron then ever when he
+learns that we played him for a softy?"
+
+"Well, if you were near by, Bob, I wouldn't be surprised if you just had
+to stick your fingers in your ears," chuckled Frank.
+
+"I reckon they will have a heap to say about it; and Abajo, after this,
+won't take us for easy marks, will he?" Bob remarked, in a satisfied
+tone.
+
+A short time later they were in their room.
+
+"You don't suppose now, Frank, that we'll be bothered to-night?" Bob
+observed, as he stood there by the window looking out toward the Grand
+Canyon.
+
+At that the other laughed quite merrily.
+
+"Don't give yourself any uneasiness about that, Bob," he remarked. "In
+the first place nobody would bother trying to get up here, even if they
+could, when so many better chances of reaching us will crop up after we
+start into the canyon to-morrow. Then again, we haven't anything to be
+stolen but our rifles, and what little cash we brought along for
+expenses."
+
+"Oh! I suppose I am silly thinking about it," admitted Bob, "but some
+way that half-breed seems to be on my nerves. His face is so sly, and
+his black eyes just glitter as I've seen those of a snake do when he's
+going to strike. But, just as you say, it's foolish to borrow trouble,
+and I must get those notions out of my head."
+
+"That's the talk, Bob," his chum declared, heartily. "Morning will find
+us in fine trim to make a start into this big ditch. And before another
+night you'll be so filled with wonder over what you see that these other
+things will take a back seat."
+
+"But do you think we ever can find the hermit of Echo Cave?" asked Bob.
+
+"I think we've got a pretty good chance, if we're left alone," came the
+ready reply.
+
+"Meaning if this Eugene Warringford keeps his hands off; and nothing
+else turns up to balk us?" Bob asked.
+
+"Yes, all of that, and more," Frank admitted.
+
+"But already I find myself wishing we had somebody along with us, like
+Old Hank Coombs for instance, Frank."
+
+"Well, who knows what may happen?" said the other, a little
+mysteriously. "D'ye know, Bob, I saw my dad winking at Hank when he
+thought I wasn't looking; and on that account I've got half an idea he
+meant to send the old man, perhaps with a second cowboy, along on our
+trail. We may run across friends here when we least expect it."
+
+"I hope it turns out that way," declared the Kentucky boy; "because Hank
+is just what you might call a tower of strength when he's along.
+Remember how fortunate it was he turned up when he did, at the time we
+wanted to follow that plague of the cattle ranges, the wolf, Sallie? I
+reckon we'd have had a much harder time bagging our game if Hank hadn't
+been along."
+
+"Well, get to bed now," Frank counseled; "and let to-morrow look out for
+itself."
+
+"All right, I'll be with you in three shakes of a lamb's tail," declared
+Bob.
+
+But before he left the window Frank noticed that he thrust his head out,
+as if desirous of making sure that no one could climb up the face of the
+wall, and find entrance there while they slept.
+
+Bob was not a timid boy as a rule; in fact he was deemed rather bold;
+but just as he said, that dark face of Abajo had impressed him
+unfavorably; and he felt that the young half-breed would be furious when
+he learned how neatly he had been sold.
+
+Nor did anything happen during that night as they slept upon the border
+of the Wonderland. Both lads enjoyed a peaceful sleep, and awoke feeling
+as "fresh as fish," as Bob quaintly expressed it.
+
+Breakfast not being ready they walked about, viewing the astonishing
+features of the canyon as seen from the bluff on which the hotel stood.
+Down in the tremendous gap mists were curling up like little clouds, to
+vanish as they reached the line where the sunlight fell. It was a sight
+that appalled Bob, who declared that he felt as though looking into the
+crater of some vast volcano.
+
+"Well," remarked Frank, "they did have volcanos around here, after this
+canyon was pretty well formed, though perhaps thousands of years ago.
+Great beds of lava have been found down in the bottom of the hole, so my
+little guide book tells me. But look away off there, Bob, and see that
+peak standing up like the rim of a cloud. Do you know what that is?"
+
+"I heard one man say," Bob replied, quickly, "Navajo Peak could be seen
+on a clear morning, and perhaps that's the one; but Frank, just think,
+it's about a hundred and twenty miles off. Whew! they do things on a big
+scale around here; don't they? I'd call it the playground of giants."
+
+"And you'd about hit the bulls eye," his chum observed; "but there goes
+the call for breakfast."
+
+"I feel as if I could stow away enough for a crowd, this mountain air is
+so fresh and invigorating," Bob remarked, as they headed for the dining
+room.
+
+Half an hour later they were once more in front of the hotel, and
+interviewing a guide who had been recommended by the manager as an
+experienced canyon man. It ended in their making terms with John Henry,
+as the fellow gave his name; though of course Frank was too wise to tell
+him what their real object was in exploring the tremendous gap. That
+could come later on.
+
+At about nine o'clock they started down the trail that led from Grand
+View into the depths of the fearful dip. And as they descended,
+following their guide, Bob found himself realizing the colossal size of
+everything connected with the rainbow-hued canyon walls.
+
+Nor was his mind made any easier when Frank took occasion, half an hour
+later, to bend toward him, and say in the most natural manner possible,
+though in low tones:
+
+"They're on the job again, Bob--Abajo and Eugene--because I happened to
+see them watching us start down the trail; and they had some one along
+with them, perhaps a guide; so we'll have to take it for granted that
+they mean to dog us all the time, hoping to steal our thunder, if we
+make any lucky find!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+THE HOME OF THE CLIFF DWELLERS
+
+
+Although Bob had anticipated such a thing, still the knowledge that it
+was actually coming to pass gave him a thrill. For some little time he
+did not say anything; but Frank could see him look uneasily up at the
+walls that now arose sheer above their heads some hundreds of feet.
+
+Frank had studied the situation as well as he could, both from a map of
+the canyon which he found in the little guide book, and his own
+observations. All the while he kept before him that admission on the
+part of the old Moqui whom they had befriended, to the effect that the
+Westering sun shone full in Echo Cave. So he expected to find the home
+of the hermit-scientist high up in the wall on the Eastern side of the
+Grand Canyon.
+
+First he intended heading toward the East, and going just as far as they
+could. Days, and perhaps weeks, might be spent in the search for the
+strange cave that had once been the home of those mysterious cliff
+people, which cavern Professor Oswald was occupying while studying the
+lives and customs of the long departed people who had dug these
+dwellings out of the rock.
+
+At noon they had made good progress; but when the tremendous size of
+that two hundred mile canyon was taken into consideration, with its
+myriad of side "washes," and minor canyons, the distance that they had
+covered was, as Bob aptly declared, but a "flea-bite" compared with the
+whole.
+
+And Frank declared time and again it had been a lucky thought that
+caused his chum to suggest that they bring the field glasses along. They
+were in almost constant use. Far distant scenes were brought close, and
+high walls could be examined in a way that must have been impossible
+with the naked eye.
+
+Of course Frank was particularly anxious to scrutinize every colored
+wall that faced the West. The rainbow tints so plainly marked, tier
+above tier, called out expressions of deep admiration from the two lads;
+but all the while they were on the watch for something besides.
+
+When Frank ranged that powerful glass along the ragged face of a
+towering cliff he was looking eagerly for signs of openings such as
+marked the windows of the homes fashioned by the strange people of a
+past age.
+
+During the afternoon they actually discovered such small slits in the
+rock--at least they looked like pencil markings to them when the guide
+first pointed out the village of the ancient cliff dwellers; though on
+closer acquaintance they found that the openings were of generous size.
+
+"Shall we climb up that straggly path along the face of the wall, and
+see what the old things look like?" asked Bob, as the guide made motions
+upward.
+
+"Yes, we ought to have our first sight of such places," Frank replied,
+in a cautious tone. "Not that I expect we're going to find our hermit
+there, or in any other village that's known to tourist travel. But we
+ought to get an idea of what these places are like, you see. Then we'll
+know better what to expect. And perhaps the conditions will teach us how
+to discover _his_ hiding place."
+
+Accordingly they started to climb upward, just as many other tourists
+had been doing for years. There were even places, "aisles of safety,"
+Bob called them, where one who was ascending, upon happening to meet a
+descending investigator, could squeeze into a hole in the rock until the
+other had slipped by.
+
+Of course it was a risky climb, and no lightheaded person could ever
+dream of taking it. But the two saddle boys were possessed of good
+nerves and able to look downward toward the bottom of the canyon, even
+when several hundred feet up in the air.
+
+Then they entered the first hole. It seemed to be a fair-sized
+apartment, and was connected with a string of others, all running along
+the face of the cliff; so that those who occupied them in the long ago
+might have air and light.
+
+The boys observed everything with the ordinary curiosity expected of
+newcomers. Frank even investigated to see if there were any signs to
+indicate that those old dwellers in the canyon knew about the use of
+fire; and soon decided that it was so.
+
+"Well, what do you think about this?" Bob asked, after they had roamed
+from one room to another. "For my part I think I'd fancy living in one
+of those three story adobe houses of the Hopi Indians, we saw pictures
+of at the hotel; or even a Navajo hogan. But one thing sure, these
+people never had to worry about leaking roofs."
+
+"No," added Frank, laughing; "and floods couldn't bother them, because
+the Colorado never rose three hundred feet since it began cutting out
+this canyon."
+
+"And think of the grand view they had before their doors, with the
+canyon in places as much as thirteen miles across, and mountains in
+their dooryard, looking like anthills," Bob went on impressively.
+
+"Makes a fellow feel mighty small; doesn't it?" Frank remarked, as he
+stepped to a window to look out again.
+
+"Makes me feel that I want to get down again to the trail," admitted
+Bob. "I'm wondering whether it's going to be much harder getting back
+than it was coming up."
+
+"That's always the case," Frank declared, "as I've found out myself when
+climbing up a steep cliff. But the guide is ready for you, Bob, if you
+show signs of getting dizzy. You have seen that he carries a rope along,
+just like the Swiss guides do."
+
+"Oh! come, Frank! Go easy with me; can't you?" the other exclaimed. "I
+hope I'm not quite so bad as that."
+
+"All the same, Bob, don't take any chances; and if you feel the least
+bit giddy, let me know. This is a case where an ounce of prevention is
+better than a pound of cure. And a stout rope is a mighty good thing to
+feel when your foot slips."
+
+It turned out, however, that the Kentucky lad was as sure-footed as a
+mountain goat. He descended the trail, with its several ladders, placed
+there of course by modern investigators, without the least show of
+timidity.
+
+They continued along the bed of the wide canyon. At times they followed
+the ordinary trail. Then again Frank would express a desire to have a
+closer look at some high granite wall that hovered, for possibly a
+thousand feet, above the very river itself; and this meant that they
+must negotiate a passage for themselves.
+
+No doubt John Henry, the guide, must have thought them the queerest pair
+of tourists he had ever led through the mysteries of the Grand Canyon.
+But as yet Frank had not thought fit to enlighten him. He was not
+altogether pleased with the appearance of the guide, and wished to wait
+until he knew a little more about his ways, before entrusting him with
+their secret.
+
+More than a few times during that day Frank believed he had positive
+evidence that they were being watched. Of course they met frequent
+parties of pilgrims wandering this way and that, as they drank in the
+tremendous glories of the canyon; but occasionally the boy believed he
+had seen a head thrust out from behind some rock in their rear, and then
+hastily withdrawn again as he looked.
+
+Of course he could make a guess as to who was taking such a interest in
+the progress of his chum and himself. No one, save Eugene Warringford,
+would bother for even a minute about what they were doing, since richer
+quarry by far than a couple of boys would catch the eye of any lawless
+desperado, like those the two sheriffs were following, bent on making a
+haul.
+
+"Frank," said Bob, when the afternoon was drawing to a close, and they
+had begun to think of picking out the spot where they would spend the
+night; "tell me why you chose to head toward the East instead of the
+other way, where Bright Angel trail attracts so many tourists?"
+
+Frank cast one glance toward the guide, as if to make sure that John
+Henry was far enough in advance not to be able to catch what was said.
+
+"I had a reason, Bob," he remarked, seriously. "Before we got down into
+the canyon, so as to choose which way we would go, I talked with several
+men who were coming up. And Bob, I learned that an old Moqui Indian had
+been seen heading toward the East late last night!"
+
+"And you think it may have been our friend, Havasupai?" asked Bob.
+
+"I'm pretty sure of it, from the descriptions they gave me," came the
+answer.
+
+"But Frank, think how impossible it seems that he could have reached
+here almost as soon as we did; unless the old warrior was able to fly I
+don't see how it could be done."
+
+"I'm just as much up a tree as you are, Bob," laughed the other; "but,
+all the same, I believe the Moqui has arrived, and is on his way right
+now to where Echo Cave lies."
+
+"Then he must have an aeroplane to help him out, for I don't see how
+else he could make it," Bob insisted.
+
+"Think for a minute, and you'll see it isn't actually impossible," Frank
+continued. "He could have made Flagstaff that night, just as we did."
+
+"Yes," admitted Bob, "that's a fact; for while he said he was tired, and
+wanted a mount to fly from his people, who were looking for him, still I
+understand that these Moquis are wonderful runners, and game to the last
+drop of the hat. Oh! I grant you that he could have made Flagstaff that
+night sometime."
+
+"Well, Flagstaff is on the railroad, you know," Frank remarked.
+
+"Sure! I see now what you are hitting at," Bob observed; "the old Indian
+must have had money, as all his kind have, what with the tips given by
+tourists day after day. He could have come to Grand View on the train.
+Frank, once more I knuckle down to your superior wisdom. That's what
+Havasupai must have done, sure pop!"
+
+"Anyhow," the other continued, "it pleases me to believe so; and that
+the Moqui is even now hurrying to make connections with the hermit in
+this mysterious Echo Cave. There's still another reason, though, why I
+picked out this course up the river, instead of going down. It is
+connected with the fact that the Moquis have their homes in this
+quarter."
+
+"Oh!" exclaimed Bob, "I catch on now to what you mean. The chances are
+that the Moqui would be prowling around within fifty miles of his own
+shack when he ran across the man-with-the-shining-spot-in-his-head,
+otherwise the bald Professor Oswald."
+
+"That's the point, Bob."
+
+"It sure beats everything how you can get on to these things, Frank.
+Here I'm going to be a lawyer some day, so they tell me; and yet I don't
+seem to grab the fine points of this game of hide-and-seek as you do."
+
+"Oh! well," Frank remarked, consolingly; "a lawyer isn't supposed to
+know much about trails, and all such things. That comes to a fellow who
+has spent years outdoors, studying things around him, and keeping his
+wits on edge all the while."
+
+"I hope to keep on learning more and more right along," said Bob.
+
+"Here comes John Henry back, to tell us he has found a good place for
+camping to-night; so no more at present, Bob."
+
+It proved just as Frank had said. The guide declared that as the sun was
+low down, the canyon would soon be darkening; and they ought to make a
+halt while the chance was still good to see what lay around them.
+
+Accordingly they made a camp, and not a great distance away from the
+border of the swirling river that rolled on to pass through all the
+balance of that wonderful gulch, the greatest in the known world.
+
+They had come prepared for this, carrying quite a number of things along
+that would prove welcome at supper time. A cheery fire was soon blazing,
+and the guide busied himself in preparations for a meal; while the two
+boys wandered down to the edge of the river, to throw a few rocks into
+the current, and talk undisturbed.
+
+"There are several other camps not far away," remarked Frank. "I could
+see the smoke rising in two places further on."
+
+"Yes," added Bob, "and there's one behind us too, for I saw smoke rising
+soon after we halted. Perhaps that may be Eugene's stopping place; eh,
+Frank?"
+
+"I wouldn't be surprised one little bit. Just look at the river, how
+silently it pushes along right here. It's deep too; and yet below a mile
+or so it frets and foams among the boulders that have dropped into its
+great bed from the high cliffs."
+
+"And they do say some bold explorers have gone all the way through the
+canyon in a boat; but I reckon it must be a terrible trip," Bob ventured
+to say.
+
+"Excuse us from trying to make it," laughed Frank; "by the time we'd
+reach Mohave City, where that bottle was picked up, there wouldn't be
+much left of us. But let's go back to camp now. John Henry must have
+grub ready."
+
+Three minutes later he suddenly caught Bob's sleeve.
+
+"Wait up!" he whispered. "There's somebody talking to our guide right
+now; and say, Bob, don't you recognize the fellow?"
+
+"If I didn't think it was silly I'd say it was old Spanish Joe, the
+cowboy we had so much trouble with on Thunder Mountain," Bob declared,
+crouching down.
+
+"Well, think again," said Frank; "and you'll remember that Abajo is his
+nephew!"
+
+
+[Illustration: "THERE'S SOMEBODY TALKING TO OUR GUIDE RIGHT NOW."
+
+_Saddle Boys in the Grand Canyon_ _Page 134_]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE TREACHEROUS GUIDE
+
+
+"Why, of course he is," declared Bob; "and it looks as if our old
+enemies had cropped up again, to join forces with the new ones. That
+will make three against us; won't it, Frank?"
+
+"The more the merrier," replied the other, but Bob could see that he was
+inwardly worried over the new phase of the situation.
+
+"Look at the way Spanish Joe is arguing with John Henry!" said Bob. "The
+guide keeps pointing this way, as if he might be afraid we'd come back,
+and see him talking with Old Joe. Now they shake hands, Frank. Do you
+think any bargain has been struck between them?"
+
+"I'm afraid it has," replied his comrade, gritting his teeth with
+displeasure. "John Henry has sold us out, and gone over to the enemy for
+cash. I saw him hide something in his pocket."
+
+"Then what will we do about him?" asked Bob, clenching his fist, as if
+it might give him considerable pleasure to take the treacherous guide
+personally in hand, and teach him the needed lesson.
+
+"That's easy," chuckled Frank. "We'll keep on guard to-night, and when
+he sees how we hang to our guns he won't try any tricks, you may be
+sure."
+
+"And in the morning?" Bob went on.
+
+"Why," declared Frank, firmly; "there's only one thing to be done--we
+must fire John Henry, even if we have to pay him the whole sum agreed on
+for the week."
+
+"I'm glad to hear you say that, Frank; because I'd hate to have him
+along. Why, he might take a notion to step on my fingers when I was
+climbing up after him, and claim it was only an accident, but if I had a
+broken leg, or a cracked skull, that wouldn't do me any good, I take
+it."
+
+"There, Joe is moving off, and we can head for camp," Frank remarked, as
+they still hovered behind the spur of rocks that had concealed them,
+though allowing a view of the little camp.
+
+"But you don't want to tell John Henry that we saw him making a bargain
+with Spanish Joe, I take it?" Bob questioned.
+
+"That's right, we don't; and try to keep from looking as if you
+suspected him. Now his back is turned, come along," and Frank, rising,
+led the way.
+
+The preparations for supper went on apace. The guide was unusually
+talkative, Bob thought, and he wondered whether it was not the result of
+a disturbed conscience. Perhaps John Henry might not be wholly bad, and
+was worried over having entered into an arrangement to betray his
+generous young employers.
+
+"What are we going to do for a guide when we let him go?" asked Bob,
+later on, after they had eaten supper, and John Henry had wandered down
+to the river for a dip, as he said.
+
+"We'll have to trust to luck to pick up another," Frank declared. "And
+if it comes to the worst, we can go it alone, I reckon. I've never been
+up against such a big job as this, but I think I'd tackle it, if I had
+to. But wait and see what another day brings out."
+
+When it came time for them to retire they began talking about their
+ranch habit of standing guard. The guide laughed at the idea of any harm
+coming to pass while they were there in the canyon.
+
+"Lots of other tourists are camping inside of three mile from here," he
+said; "and I heard the sheriff of the county himself is somewhere down
+in the canyon; so it don't look as how there could anything happen. But
+just as you says, boys; if it makes you feel better to stand guard, I
+ain't got a thing agin it."
+
+The night passed without any sort of attack. Either Frank or Bob sat up
+all the time, with a trusty rifle ready; but there was no occasion to
+make use of the weapon.
+
+With the coming of morning they made ready to eat a hasty breakfast.
+After this was over Frank found himself compelled to discharge the
+guide.
+
+"We've concluded to do without your services, John Henry," he said, as
+the man stood ready to start forth on the way along the canyon, heading
+East.
+
+"Me? Let me go? What for?" stammered the fellow; turning red and then
+white as a consciousness of his guilt broke upon him.
+
+"Here's what we promised to pay you for the week," continued Frank. "We
+want no hard feelings about it. Never mind why we let you go. You can
+think what you like. But next time you hire out to a party, John Henry,
+be careful how you let anybody hand you over a few dollars to make you
+turn against your friends."
+
+The man tried to speak, and his voice failed him. They left him standing
+there, holding the bills Frank had thrust into his hand, and looking
+"too cheap for anything," as Bob said. Perhaps he feared that the boys
+might tell what they knew about him, and in this way destroy his
+usefulness as a canyon guide ever afterwards.
+
+"Good riddance to bad rubbish!" declared Bob, after they had gone on
+half a mile, and on looking back saw John Henry still standing there as
+if hardly knowing whether to be sorry, or glad over having received
+full pay for a week after only working a single day.
+
+"And here we are cut loose from everybody, and going it on our own
+hook," laughed Frank. "But it would be foolish for us to think of doing
+without a guide if so be we can find one. We'll ask every party we meet,
+and perhaps in that way we can strike the right man."
+
+During the morning they came upon several parties making the rounds of
+the Wonderland along the beaten channels. Sometimes women were in the
+company, for the strange sights that awaited the bold spirit capable of
+enduring ordinary fatigue tempted others besides men to undertake one of
+the trips.
+
+Just at noon the two boys came upon a lone Chinaman sitting at a little
+fire he had kindled, cooking a fish, evidently pulled from the river by
+means of a hook and line.
+
+"Well, what do you think!" exclaimed Frank, as he stared at the
+Oriental; "Bob, don't you recognize that cousin of our ranch cook, Ah
+Sin, the same fellow who was down at our place five months ago? Hello!
+Charley Moi, what are you doing in the big canyon, tell me?"
+
+The Chinaman jumped up, and manifested more or less joy at the sight of
+Frank. He insisted on shaking hands with both the boys.
+
+"How do? Glad see Flank, Blob! Me, I cook for plarties in Gland Canyon.
+Hear of chance gettee job up Gland View Hotel. Go there now. Alle samee
+like see boys from Circle Lanch. How Ah Sin? Him berry veil last time
+hear samee."
+
+Frank had an idea.
+
+"See here, Charley Moi," he said; "you say you've been about the big
+canyon a long time now, serving as a cook to parties who go up and down.
+Perhaps we might engage you to stay with us!"
+
+"Me cook velly fine much all timee. You tly Charley Moi, you never say
+solly do samee!" declared the Oriental, his moon-like face illuminated
+with a childlike and bland smile.
+
+"But we want you for a guide too, Charley; you ought to know a heap
+about the place by this time," Frank went on.
+
+"Alle light, me do," replied the other, glibly. "No matter, cookee or
+guide, alle samee. Lucky we meet. Tly flish. Just ketchee from water.
+Cook to turnee. Plentee for all. Then go like Flank, Blob say. Sabe?"
+
+As it was nearly noon the boys were quite satisfied to make a little
+halt, and taste the fresh fish which the Chinaman had succeeded in
+coaxing from the rushing waters of the nearby Colorado.
+
+Later on they once again made a start. Charley Moi did everything in his
+power to prove his fidelity and faithfulness. He seemed proud of the
+fact that the son of the big owner of Circle Ranch, where his cousin
+worked as cook for the mess, trusted him, and had employed him as a
+guide. Never before in the history of the Grand Canyon had a Chinaman
+held such an exalted office; and Charley believed he had cause to feel
+proud.
+
+"Can we trust him?" Bob asked, as evening came on again. "I've always
+heard that Chinamen are treacherous fellows."
+
+"Then you've heard what isn't true," Frank replied. "A Chinaman never
+breaks his word. Over in the Far East I've read that all the merchants
+of British cities are Chinese. The Japs are a different kind of people.
+Yes, we can trust Charley Moi. He would never betray us to our enemies."
+
+Nevertheless, that night the boys also slept on their arms, so to speak.
+One of them remained on guard at different times, the entire night.
+Frank had learned caution on the range. He did not mean to be taken by
+surprise; though he really believed that nothing would be done to injure
+them until after they had found some trace of the hidden hermit of Echo
+Cave.
+
+Before another twelve hours had passed he had occasion to change his
+opinion. The night did not bring any alarm in its train. Charley Moi was
+up several times, shuffling around, looking at the fire, and sitting
+there smoking his little pipe, as though in satisfaction over having
+struck such a profitable job so easily; but he gave no sign of holding
+any intercourse with outsiders.
+
+With the coming of morning they were once more on the way. Frank noticed
+with considerable satisfaction that now they seemed to be beyond the
+ordinary limit of the various trails taken by the regular tourist
+parties.
+
+They were walking along, about the middle of the morning, when they
+found themselves in a lonely region, where the dim trail led along the
+foot of rugged walls stretching up, red and apparently unscalable, to
+the height of hundreds of feet.
+
+Frank was craning his neck as he looked up overhead, wondering if it
+could be possible that there was any sign of an abandoned cliff
+dwellers' village there, when he saw something move, and at the same
+instant he jumped forward to pull his chum violently back.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+A WONDERFUL DISCOVERY
+
+
+Bob opened his mouth to call out, and ask what was the matter, that his
+chum had seized upon him so fiercely. But he held his breath, for
+something came to pass just then that made words entirely unnecessary.
+
+A huge rock seemed to slip from its notch up on the side of the cliff,
+and come crashing down, loosening others on the way, until finally the
+rush and roar almost partook of the nature of a small avalanche.
+
+Charley Moi had skipped out in a lively manner, and thus managed to
+avoid being caught. Bob stared at the pile of broken rock, about which
+hung a little cloud of dust.
+
+"Wow! that was as close a call as I ever hope to have, Frank!" he
+exclaimed, with a little quiver to his voice.
+
+Frank himself was a bit white, and his hand trembled as he laid it on
+that of his chum.
+
+"I just happened to be looking up, and saw it trembling on the break,"
+he said. "Only for that we might have been underneath all that stuff."
+
+"But did you notice the clever way Charley Moi avoided the deluge?" said
+Bob, trying to smile, though he found it hard work.
+
+"Yes, it's hard to catch a Chinaman napping, they say," Frank went on.
+"Three times this very day I've heard the thunder of falling rocks, and
+that was what kept me nervous; so I watched out above. And, Bob, it
+seemed as though I must have seen that big rock just trembling as it
+started to leave the face of the cliff."
+
+"Well, all I can say then, is, that you jumped to the occasion mighty
+well. Some fellows would have been scared just stiff, and couldn't have
+thrown out a hand to save a chum. But look here, Frank, you don't
+imagine that thing was done on purpose, do you?"
+
+Frank looked at his companion, with a wrinkle on his forehead.
+
+"I don't want to think anybody could be so mean and low as to want to
+hurt boys who'd never done them any harm," he said; "but all the same I
+seem to have an idea that I got a glimpse of a man's arm when that rock
+started to drop."
+
+"Whew! you give me a cold chill, Frank," muttered Bob, gazing helplessly
+upward toward the spot from which the descending rock had started on its
+riotous tumble.
+
+"Yes, and I hope I was mistaken," Frank went on. "I don't see anything
+up there now; and perhaps it was only a delusion. All these bright
+colors affect the eyes, you see. Then, again, it might have been some
+goat jumping, that started that rock on its downward plunge."
+
+"But you didn't see any goat, Frank, did you?" Bob asked, anxiously.
+
+"No, I didn't," admitted the other; "but then there may be a shelf up
+there, and any animal on it would be hidden from the eyes of those right
+below."
+
+They passed on; but more than once Bob craned his neck in the endeavor
+to look up to that spot, from whence the loose rock had plunged. He
+could not get it out of his head that foes were hovering about, who
+thought so little of human life that they would conspire to accomplish a
+death if possible.
+
+The day passed without any further peril confronting them. Charley Moi
+seemed to fill the bill as a guide, very well. He also knew the
+different points of interest, and chattered away like a magpie or a
+monkey as they kept pushing on.
+
+Bob became curious to know just how the Chinaman could tell about so
+many things when they were now above the trails used ordinarily by
+tourists, who gave two or three days to seeing the Grand Canyon, and
+then rushed away, thinking they had exhausted its wonders, when in fact
+they had barely seen them.
+
+He put the question to Charley Moi, and when the smiling-faced Chinaman
+replied, Frank caught his breath.
+
+"That easy, bloss," said Charley, nodding. "Happen this way. Long time
+black me 'gage with sahib, like one know out in Canton. Think have samee
+big joss some bit up here in canlon. Me to bling grub to certain place
+evly two month. Him give me list what buy, and put cash in hand. Know
+can trust Chinaman ebery time. Many time now me do this; so know how
+make trail up-river, much far past same tourist use. Sabe, Flank, Blob?"
+
+The two boys stared at each other, unable to say a word at first. It was
+as if the same tremendous thought had come to each.
+
+"Gee whiz! did you get on to that, Frank?" finally ejaculated Bob.
+
+"I sure did," replied his chum, allowing his pent-up breath full play.
+
+"Charley says he engaged himself to a gentleman long ago; perhaps it was
+as much as three years back, the time that the professor disappeared
+from the haunts of men. And, Frank, his part of the contract was to come
+to a certain point away up here in the Grand Canyon, once every two
+months, at a time agreed on, bringing a load of food, as per the list
+given him by this mysterious party."
+
+"It must be Professor Oswald!" exclaimed Frank. "I've been wondering all
+the time how under the sun he could have supplied himself with food
+these long months if he'd cut loose from the world, as he said in that
+note he had. Now the puzzle begins to show an answer. Charley Moi is the
+missing link. He has kept the professor in grub all the time. Did you
+ever hear of such luck? First we run across that old Moqui, who has been
+in touch with the man we want to find; and now here's the one who comes
+up here every little while to deliver his goods, and get a new list, as
+well as money to pay for the same. It's just the limit, that's what!"
+
+He turned to the Chinaman, and continued:
+
+"Did you happen to notice, Charley, whether this party you are working
+for is a bald-headed man? Has he a shining top when he takes his hat
+off; and does he bend over, as if he might be hunting for diamonds all
+the time?"
+
+The Chinese guide smirked, and bobbed his head in the affirmative.
+
+"That him, velly much, just same say. Shiny head, and blob this away
+alle time," with which he walked slowly forward, bending over as though
+trying to discover a rich vein of gold in the seamed rock under his
+feet.
+
+"Shake hands, Bob," said Frank. "We're getting hot on the trail. Now we
+needn't have any doubt at all about the choice of the eastern route.
+It's the right one; and somewhere further on we're just bound to find
+Echo Cave."
+
+"Then all we've got to fear, Frank, is the work of Eugene and his crowd.
+Let us keep clear of that bad lot, and we're going to succeed. Any time,
+now, we may glimpse our old Moqui, returning with a message from the
+professor, if he sees fit to reply to your appeal. He may, though, be so
+set and stubborn that nothing will move him from his game of hiding.
+Then we'll have to get that paper, with his signature, and save the mine
+for his family."
+
+"That's what I mean to do," replied the other, with grim determination.
+"If he's so wrapped up in his scheme that he just won't come out, we're
+going to do the best we can to save his fortune in spite of him. There's
+his daughter Janice to think of. Above all, we mustn't let that schemer,
+Eugene Warringford, get his fingers on the document."
+
+That night they made camp in a little cave that offered an asylum. The
+boys rather fancied the idea for a change. And they passed a very
+comfortable night without any alarm.
+
+Once, Bob being on duty near the mouth of the opening, heard a shuffling
+sound without. He could not make out whether it was caused by the
+passage of a human being, or a bear. Half believing that they were about
+to be attacked by some animal that fancied the cave as a den, he had
+drawn back the hammer of his rifle, and watched the round opening that
+was plainly seen at the time, as it was near morning, and the small
+remnant of a moon was shining without.
+
+But he waited in vain, and, as the minutes passed without any further
+alarm, Bob heaved a sigh of relief. It was all very well to think of
+shooting big game; but under such conditions he did not much fancy a
+close battle.
+
+When morning came, and he had told Frank about it, the other immediately
+went out to look for traces of the animal. As he came back Bob saw by
+the expression on his chum's face that Frank had made some sort of
+discovery.
+
+"How about it?" he asked.
+
+"It was no bear," replied the other, decidedly.
+
+"But sure I heard something moving, Frank, and I was wide-awake at the
+time, too," Bob protested.
+
+"I guess you were, all right," Frank admitted. "A man passed by, not far
+from the mouth of the cave. He even stooped down, and looked in, though
+careful not to let his head show against the bright background. Then he
+went off again up the canyon."
+
+"Since you know so much, Frank, perhaps you could give a guess as to who
+he was," said Bob, eagerly.
+
+"No guess about it," came the reply. "I've examined his track before,
+and ought to know it like a book. It was Abajo, Bob!"
+
+"Then ten to one, Spanish Joe and Eugene were close by!" declared Bob.
+"Say, do you really believe he knew we were in here?"
+
+"Of course he did," Frank asserted. "Perhaps they saw us enter. But
+Abajo also knows that both of us are fair shots. He did not dare take
+the chance of trying to creep in. It would be more dangerous than our
+going into that wolf den."
+
+"The plot seems to be thickening, Frank. It won't be long now before
+something is bound to happen. If we could only run across the old Moqui
+now, and hear that he carried a message in answer to your note, that
+would clear the air a heap, wouldn't it?"
+
+"Well, we must live in hopes," replied Frank, cheerfully. "And now,
+after a bite which Charley Moi is getting ready for us, we'll be off
+again, and tackle the roughest traveling in the whole canyon, so he
+says. But he knows the way, because he was led up here by the old
+professor, and told to come back every two months."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+THE WINDOWS IN THE ROCKY WALLS
+
+
+"Well, here it's the fourth day we've been out, and nothing doing yet,
+Frank!"
+
+Bob spoke gloomily, as though the unsuccessful search was beginning to
+pall upon him a little. Boys' natures differ so much; and while the
+young Kentuckian had many fine qualities that his chum admired, still he
+was not so persistent as Frank.
+
+Nothing could ever daunt the boy from Circle Ranch. Difficulties, he
+believed, were only thrown in his way to bring out the better parts of
+his nature. The more a fellow found himself "up against it," as Frank
+called meeting trouble half-way, the stronger became his character.
+
+"Oh! well, now, Bob, I wouldn't say that," he answered the complaint of
+his chum. "Just think what tremendous progress we've been making right
+along. And if the very worst comes, didn't Charley Moi say that it was
+only a week now before he must get another stock of things to eat, and
+won't he have to wait at the place of meeting, for the 'learned sahib'
+to appear, and take them from him, as he has done so often? Why, we can
+be in hiding nearby, and meet the professor, even against his will."
+
+"That's so," Bob admitted, the argument proving a clincher; "and I
+reckon I'm a silly clown to think anything else."
+
+"No, you're only tired, after a pretty tough day, that's all," Frank
+declared. "When you've had a rest you'll feel better. I'm more used to
+this sort of thing than you are, old fellow; but all the same we must
+admit that we're getting the greatest view ever of this old canyon."
+
+"That's so, Frank, and it's worth all the climbing and sliding, too. But
+every time we've discovered signs of any of those old deserted homes of
+the cliff dwellers, why, we find they've been visited time and again by
+curious folks hoping to discover some treasure, or keepsakes of the
+extinct people. No chance for the old professor to hide away there."
+
+"But pretty soon we're going to discover a new batch of those caves in
+the face of the rock, something unknown to all other searchers. We'll
+find it by the aid of this same glass; and because we're looking for it,
+high up. In all these other cases you see, Bob, there were shelves of
+rock above shelves; and new ladders have been made by the guides, so
+that anybody with nerve could climb up and up. Now these ladders give
+the thing away. And I've somehow got the notion in my head that in the
+case of the rock dwellings where the professor is hiding himself, there
+is no outward sign in the shape of ladders."
+
+"But in that case, Frank, how under the sun could the old fellows ever
+get up to their dens, which you said must be near the top of a high
+cliff?"
+
+"Well, that's something we're going to find out later on, you see,"
+replied the other, serenely. "Perhaps they had some way of lowering
+themselves from the top by means of a rope, or a stout, wide grape vine.
+Then, again, there may be some cleft in the rock farther away, that no
+one would notice; but which was used as a trail, running up into the
+cliff, and to the rock houses."
+
+"It does take you to figure out these things," declared Bob, in
+admiration, as they trudged along, with Charley Moi in advance.
+
+"Then we haven't yet got to the place where the Chinese buyer meets his
+employer with the eatables?" Bob remarked after a little silence.
+
+"The last time I asked him he kept saying it was only a little farther
+along," replied Frank.
+
+"There, look at him stopping right now; and Frank, he's grinning at us
+in a way that can only mean one thing. That must be where he always
+waits for the queer old gentleman to show up."
+
+"How about that, Charley; is this the place where you hang out?" asked
+Frank, as they hastened to join the guide.
+
+"Allee samee place," replied Charley Moi, waving his yellow hand around
+him. "Not know where shaib come fromee, always turn roundee rock," and
+he pointed to a large outlying mass that had, ages ago, become detached
+from the towering cliff overhead, and fallen in such a fashion as to
+partly obstruct the canyon trail.
+
+Frank looked around him eagerly.
+
+"We must be getting warmer all the time," he remarked; "and if you just
+take a look at that river right now, you'll see that up yonder the rock
+rises up almost from its very flood. When the water is high it must
+sweep along against the face of that big cliff. And Bob, something seems
+to tell me that somewhere inside of a mile or so, we're going to find
+what we're looking for."
+
+"Oh! I hope so!" echoed Bob, with a look of expectancy on his face; for
+he always put great reliance on the common sense of his chum; and when
+Frank said a thing in that steady tone, the Kentucky boy believed it
+must be so.
+
+Frank called a halt then and there.
+
+"We're tired, anyway," he said, "and might as well spend the night here.
+Besides, I just want to find a place were I can take a good look through
+the glass up at that cliff near the top. It faces the West, all right,
+you see; and the indications are that somewhere or other I'll find
+signs of the queer windows belonging to some of those cave houses."
+
+The camp was made, and Charley Moi busied himself with his fire. Bob had
+some things he wished to attend to; while Frank took the glass, and,
+settling down in a place where he believed he could get a fair view of
+the upper strata of colored rock, began carefully scrutinizing the
+cliff.
+
+"The time is right, because the old Indian said the Westering sun shone
+in the mouth of Echo Cave," Frank mused, as he pursued his work, not
+disappointed because failure came in the beginning.
+
+Frank had been at work possibly six or eight minutes when he gave
+utterance to a low exclamation. Then he fixed his field glasses upon a
+certain spot as though something had caught his attention there.
+
+"Bob!" he called out.
+
+"Want me?" asked his chum from the spot where the fire was burning.
+
+"Yes, come here please," Frank continued.
+
+Bob quickly complied with the request. He knew that although his
+camp-mate spoke in such a quiet tone, he had evidently made a discovery.
+Frank could repress his feelings even in a moment of great excitement,
+which was something beyond the ability of the more impetuous Kentucky
+lad.
+
+"What have you found, Frank?" he asked, as he reached the side of the
+other.
+
+"Here, take the glass," said Frank. "Point it toward that little cone
+that seems to rise up like a chimney above the level of the cliff top.
+Got it now? Well, let your glass slowly drop straight down the face of
+the rock. Never mind the glint of the sun, and the fine rich color. I
+know it's just glorious, and all that; but we're after something more
+important now than pictures and color effects. What do you see, Bob?"
+
+"Honest now, I believe you've hit the bulls-eye this time, Frank."
+
+"Then you think they're windows, about after the same style as those
+holes in the rock where we climbed up the ladders to the deserted homes
+of the old time cliff dwellers?" asked the other.
+
+"Sure they are; no mistake about it, either," replied Bob, and then he
+gave a low exclamation.
+
+"What did you see?" demanded Frank, as if suspecting the truth.
+
+"I don't know," came the reply; "but something seemed to move just
+inside one of those openings. It may have been a garment fluttering in
+the breeze that must be blowing so far up the heights; and then, again,
+perhaps some hawk, or other bird, has its nest there, and just flew
+past. I couldn't say, Frank; but I saw _something_, and it moved!"
+
+Frank took the glass, and looked long and earnestly.
+
+"Whatever it was," he remarked, "it doesn't mean to repeat the act. But
+all the same, Bob, I've got a hunch we've found the place, and that Echo
+Cave lies far up yonder in that beetling cliff."
+
+"It's a fierce reach up there," remarked Bob, as he scanned the height.
+"How under the sun d'ye suppose that old professor could ever get up and
+down? Too far for him to have a rope ladder; and even if he had, how
+could he reach the place at first? Frank, all the way up, I can't see
+the first sign of any rock shelves, where ladders might have rested long
+ago."
+
+"That's so," replied the other, reflectively. "The face of the cliff is
+as even and smooth as a floor. Nobody would ever look to find a cluster
+of cliff dwellers' homes up there; that is, nobody but a man like
+Professor Oswald, who has made a life study of such things, and knows
+all the indications. But something tells me we're pretty near the end of
+our long trail. The only question now is, how can we get in touch with
+the hermit of Echo Cave?"
+
+As night settled down the two boys returned to the fire, still
+perplexed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+FINDING A WAY UP
+
+
+That night they kept no fire going. Frank seemed to think it best that
+they remain quiet, so as not to announce their presence in the
+neighborhood. Though for that matter, it would seem that if any one were
+perched aloft in one of those slits in the face of the cliff, that
+represented the windows of the cave dwellings, the entire canyon below
+must be spread out like a book.
+
+Nothing happened to disturb them. Once Frank thought he heard a distant
+shout, and this excited his curiosity not a little. According to what
+Charley Moi said they were now in a neighborhood where ordinary tourists
+never visited.
+
+He thought of the two sheriffs and the lawless men they were pursuing.
+Could it be possible that they were destined to run across those
+desperate characters sooner or later?
+
+The thought was a disquieting one. It served to make Frank wakeful, and
+his restlessness was communicated to Bob, although the latter did not
+know what caused it.
+
+But if the fugitives from justice were loitering around in that
+particular part of the Grand Canyon, either hiding from the determined
+sheriffs, or looking for rich quarry, neither they or anyone else
+disturbed the camp of the saddle boys.
+
+Again, in the morning, Charley Moi lighted a fire, and made ready to
+prepare a modest breakfast. As Bob had said, their supplies were running
+low, and unless something happened very soon the Chinaman would have to
+be dispatched to the nearest store to replenish the food.
+
+Still thinking of the sound he had heard during the night, and which he
+believed must have been a human voice, rather than the cry of some wild
+animal, Frank, while they sat cross-legged around the fire, eating the
+scanty meal, addressed himself to the Chinaman.
+
+"How many times have you come up this far, Charley Moi?" he asked.
+
+The other commenced to figure on his fingers. Having no counting board,
+used so frequently by his countrymen in laundries, until they get
+accustomed to the habits of the white man, he took this means of
+tabulating.
+
+"Allee fingers and this much over," and he held up the first and second
+fingers of one hand.
+
+"Ten and two, making twelve in all," declared Bob. "Well, you have
+served the man-with-the-bald-head faithfully and long, Charley."
+
+"And in all these times I suppose you've never known anybody to be
+around here?" Frank went on.
+
+Charley shook his head in the negative.
+
+"White man, no. Sometime Moqui come 'long, make for stlore down canlon
+get glub. See same two, thlee times. Charley Moi see old Moqui last
+night," the Chinaman replied.
+
+"What's that you say?" demanded Frank, hastily. "That you saw a Moqui
+last night, and after we had come to halt right here?"
+
+"Thatee so," grinned the other, as though pleased to feel that he was
+able to interest Frank so readily.
+
+"Just when did this happen, Charley Moi?" pursued the other.
+
+"Flank, Blob, down by river, make muchee look-look in glass," answered
+Charley.
+
+"Now, what d'ye think of that?" ejaculated Bob, in disgust. "While we
+were away from camp for ten minutes, something happened. Why couldn't it
+have come about when we were on deck? There's a fine chance lost to get
+track of Havasupai; for I reckon you believe the same as I do, Frank,
+and that the old Moqui whom Charley saw was _our_ Indian?"
+
+"Seems like it, Bob," replied the other, "but don't cry yet. Perhaps it
+may not be too late to remedy matters. See here, Charley Moi, could you
+show me just where you saw this Moqui last?"
+
+The yellow-skinned guide smirked, and nodded his head until his pigtail
+bobbed up and down like a bell rope.
+
+"Easy do," he observed, beginning to get upon his feet.
+
+"Come along Bob," remarked Frank. "We'd all better be present. Three
+heads are better than one when it comes to a question of deciding what's
+to be done."
+
+"Do you think you can track him, Frank?" questioned the Kentucky boy,
+eagerly.
+
+"I'm going to try," was all Frank would say; for he was very modest with
+regard to his accomplishments as a son of the prairie.
+
+Charley Moi was as good as his word. He seemed to remember just where he
+had happened to spy the passing Indian when looking up from the making
+of the fire. The Moqui had paid no attention to him; indeed, at the time
+he was creeping past as though taking advantage of the absence of the
+two boys in order to make a circuit of the camp near the big cliff.
+
+"Find 'em Frank?" asked Bob, after he had seen his chum bending down
+over the ground for half a minute.
+
+"Yes, and they are the tracks of an Indian too, for they toe in," Frank
+replied. "Besides, they are made by moccasins instead of shoes or boots
+with heels. And if I needed any further proof to tell me our friend
+Havasupai made these tracks, and not a strange Moqui, I have it in the
+queer patch across the toe of his right moccasin, which I noticed when
+he was with us before."
+
+"That's just fine!" Bob exclaimed, filled with pride over the way in
+which his chum seemed able to fix the facts so that they could not be
+questioned. "And will you start after him right away, Frank?"
+
+"Watch me; that's all," came the reply, as Frank began to move away,
+still bending low in order to follow the faint traces of footprints on
+the rock and scanty soil.
+
+The others came close at his heels, Bob with a look of assurance on his
+face, because he felt positive that the game would now be tracked to its
+hiding place; and Charley Moi picturing his wonder on his moon-like
+countenance.
+
+So the prairie lad led them in and out among the rocks, and the scrub
+that grew close to the verge of the river. Several times he seemed a
+little in doubt, as the marks faded entirely away; but on such occasions
+his common-sense came to the rescue, and, after a look around, Frank was
+able to once more find the trail.
+
+"Here's where it ends!"
+
+When Frank made this remark Bob could not keep from expressing his
+surprise.
+
+He gaped upward at the bare-faced wall that arose for hundreds of feet,
+without any particular ledge or outcropping where even a nimble Indian
+could find safe lodgment for his moccasined feet.
+
+"But, Frank, however could the old Moqui get up there to see Uncle
+Felix?" he asked. "D'ye suppose he made some sort of signal, and the
+hermit lowered a long rope with a noose at the end, which would draw him
+up? Wow! excuse me from ever trying to fly in that way! It would make me
+so dizzy I'd be sure to drop, and get smashed."
+
+"You're beating on the wrong track, Bob," remarked the other. "No rope
+could be lowered all that distance; and even if it could no one man
+would be able to pull another all the way up."
+
+"But there must be some way of getting to the place where the slits in
+the face of the cliff tell of windows. However do you think he did it,
+Frank?"
+
+"Just because you don't happen to see a ladder, Bob, is no evidence
+there isn't a way to mount upward. One thing about this great cliff I
+guess you didn't happen to notice. That shows you pass things by. Look
+again, and you'll see that it seems to have been split by some volcanic
+smash, ages ago. There's a regular crevice running slantingly up the
+face of the rock. You see it now, don't you?"
+
+"Sure I do; and I was blind not to take notice of the same before," Bob
+replied. "Fact is, I did see that uneven mark, but just thought it was a
+fault in the make of the cliff, as a miner would say."
+
+"Well, that crack extends four-fifths of the way up to the top; and far
+enough to reach the place where we noticed all those dark marks, which
+we believed must be windows of the many rooms or houses of the cliff
+dwellers. Get that, Bob?"
+
+"Sure I do, Frank, and after your explanation I can see what you're
+aiming at. But where does that ragged crevice start from down here, do
+you think?"
+
+Frank stepped forward. Just as if he had it all figured out, he bent
+down, and with his hand drew aside the bushes that grew against the base
+of the cliff.
+
+"Well, I declare, there it is for a fact!" exclaimed Bob, as he saw a
+rough opening before him, which came almost together five feet from the
+ground, leaving only a dark, uneven, slanting line that crawled up the
+face of the cliff like the photograph of a zigzag bolt of lightning
+taken with a snapshot camera.
+
+"There you are," said Frank, with a broad smile. "Unless all signs fail,
+here's the entrance to the mysterious Echo Cave. We have been more than
+lucky to find it with so little trouble."
+
+"Just to think of it," remarked Bob, as he bent over to look up into the
+gap as well as he was able; "here's where the queer old Professor has
+been hiding for all this time, and no one any the wiser. But Frank,
+however in the wide world do you suppose he found out the way to get up
+there?"
+
+"We would have found it sooner or later, even if Charley Moi had not
+seen the old Indian moving along," replied Frank, with the confidence of
+one who knows what he is talking about.
+
+"Y--yes, I reckon we would, after you'd prowled around a little, and had
+some chance to look the ground over. Then you believe he must have found
+the presence of those windows looking out of the cliff just like we did;
+by using a powerful glass? And, thinking that here was the very place
+for him to hide and study, he set about looking for the road up, and
+found it, very likely."
+
+"He did it by using common sense, and applying all he knew about the
+ways of these people of the long ago," replied Frank. "And you can see
+that if he chose, he could have thrown that bottle out of one of the
+openings up there, so that it would drop in the passing current of the
+Colorado, to be carried down-stream until somebody saw it; and finding
+the message to my father, sent or carried it to Circle Ranch."
+
+"Well," observed Bob, with a gleam in his eye, "now that we've found a
+way to get up to Echo Cave, have we the nerve to start in?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+FORTUNE STILL FAVORS THE BRAVE
+
+
+Instead of replying at once to this question, as Bob undoubtedly thought
+his chum would do, Frank seemed to give a start. He dropped to his hands
+and knees, and seemed to be examining some marks on the ground.
+
+If ever the fair knowledge of reading tracks which Frank possessed was
+called upon to do duty, it was now. Bob, of course, could not understand
+what possessed his comrade; but simply stood there and stared, wondering
+what Frank had found to cause him to exhibit such breathless interest,
+and all the signs of unusual excitement.
+
+When finally the lad on his knees did look up, Bob saw a grave
+expression on his face.
+
+"There's something wrong, Frank; tell me what it is?" he demanded.
+
+"I've made an unpleasant discovery, Bob," replied the other. "Charley!"
+he added turning to the wondering Celestial, "go back to our camp, and
+bring our guns right away, both of them, see?"
+
+"Yep, bloss, me unelstand. Charley Moi gettee gluns light away quick!"
+and as he said this the obliging Chinaman went on a run, his pigtail and
+blue blouse flying out behind him.
+
+"Say, whatever does all this mystery mean, Frank?" asked Bob, almost
+helplessly.
+
+"Just what you might imagine; that there's danger hanging about us,
+Bob."
+
+The eyes of the astonished Bob sought the ground at the point where his
+chum had been so deeply interested.
+
+"Then it must be something you just discovered there, and that's a
+fact," he declared; "because you didn't act this way three minutes ago."
+
+"I happened to discover footprints coming from another quarter," Frank
+went on, calmly; "and they headed into this crevice, just as those of
+the moccasined Moqui did from that side. And they came after old
+Havasupai had gone up, for I found where they wiped out a part of one of
+his tracks."
+
+"Footprints, and were they made by the old professor, do you think?"
+asked Bob.
+
+"Not any. Fact is," observed Frank, as though deciding to have the worst
+over, "they were the tracks of three persons, all men!"
+
+"Oh! my! three, you said, Frank; and that would mean Eugene, Spanish
+Joe, and Abajo, wouldn't it?"
+
+"Just the very ones I meant," replied Frank.
+
+"Then they must have been hiding some place near here, and saw the Moqui
+pass in?" suggested Bob, fully aroused by now.
+
+"That seems to be what happened," Frank observed. "But here comes
+Charley Moi with the guns. See how he dodges about, so as to keep hidden
+from the view of anybody up in those windows above, which we can't
+glimpse from here."
+
+When Bob eagerly took his repeating rifle from the hands of the Chinaman
+he exhibited all the evidence of great satisfaction; for he heaved a
+sigh of relief, and fondled his weapon in a way that caused his comrade
+to smile.
+
+"I feel better now," Bob confessed; "because, to tell the honest truth,
+when you broke the news so suddenly it nearly gave me heart failure,
+Frank, to think that if those rascals sprang out at us we would be next
+door to helpless. Now let 'em be careful how they play their little
+game. But what does it all mean, do you suppose, Frank?"
+
+"I can only make a guess, and that may be wide of the truth," the other
+admitted. "By some accident they managed to get on the track of the
+Moqui. Though Havasupai thought himself smart, he was no match for such
+a cunning rascal as Spanish Joe, who is said to be the best trailer
+along the Arizona border. And they followed him right here."
+
+"That was last evening, just when you and I stood there down by the
+river, looking through the glasses up at the windows of the rock houses
+above," remarked Bob.
+
+"Yes. Perhaps they didn't go up right then." Frank went on. "I admit
+that I can't just make out how long ago these tracks were made. A better
+trailer might, you see, Bob. If Old Hank Coombs were only here now I'd
+be glad to turn the whole business over to him, and play second fiddle."
+
+"But some time between dark and morning these three rascals went in
+here, and surprised the hermit of Echo Cave--is that it, Frank?"
+
+"It covers the case all right," came the reply.
+
+"Say, do you think they are up there yet?" asked the Kentucky lad, in an
+anxious tone.
+
+"I think they must be, Bob, because all the tracks point one way,
+showing that the three men never came back. If they left the cave it
+must have been by some other way."
+
+"No use asking why they would want to get in touch with Uncle Felix!"
+continued Bob, as if bent on finding out everything he could in
+connection with the case.
+
+"We know what their reason was," Frank made answer. "When Abajo, hanging
+about the window of our ranch house, heard what we had to say about the
+message that came floating down the Colorado in that bottle, and carried
+the wonderful news to his employer, Eugene Warringford, he set the game
+going that must end right here. He has come with the intention of making
+Professor Oswald turn over that option to him; and he'll do it unless
+something we can offer prevents."
+
+"But Frank, if the Moqui carried that note of yours to Uncle Felix, he
+would be on his guard, and absolutely refuse to sign away the papers?"
+
+"I hope he will, but I fear that those three scamps are up there right
+now, trying to coax or bulldoze him into signing," Frank said, with a
+tightening of his lips, and a flash of his clear eyes.
+
+"Then we go up, and put a spoke in their wheel, do we?" asked Bob,
+looking as if he were ready to make the start instantly, if his comrade
+but gave the word.
+
+Frank glanced around him a little uncertainly.
+
+"I've got a good notion to try it," he muttered as if talking to
+himself.
+
+"What's that you say, Frank?" asked his companion, who had caught the
+words, and did not know what to make of them.
+
+"I didn't tell you, Bob," Frank remarked; "but during the night I
+thought I heard a voice calling far away yonder. And somehow it struck
+me at the time that there was a familiar cowboy yell about it."
+
+"Old Hank Coombs, perhaps, Frank?" suggested the other lad, quickly.
+
+"That was on my mind, Bob. You know history often repeats itself. Once
+before, just when we seemed to need Hank the worst way, he came riding
+along as if he had heard us call. And I was wondering whether he might
+not be somewhere around here right now."
+
+"That would be just prime, if only we could get in touch with him," Bob
+declared. "And, as your father wouldn't send Hank alone, there'd be one
+more cowboy along. That would make a party of four. Why, those three
+rascals would just shrivel, and throw up the sponge, if they saw us
+break in on 'em. But Frank, how about making the old range call?"
+
+"D'ye know, I was just thinking it might do to try it," remarked the
+other.
+
+"Then start in and give the whoop," Bob observed. "No harm done anyhow;
+even if they hear it up there. And while you're doing all that, I'll
+just drop on one knee here, and cover the crack in the wall. Suppose one
+of the lot should try and come out while we were off our guard. I'll
+make him surrender quicker than he can say 'Jack Robinson'!"
+
+Presently there sounded upon the morning air the clear "cooee" of the
+range, particularly well known to every cowboy who had worked at Circle
+Ranch. Frank and Bob listened eagerly to learn whether there would come
+any response. If not, then they must take up the task of climbing that
+singular crevice by themselves; and finding out how affairs stood above.
+
+Their suspense was short-lived, for quickly there floated to their
+waiting ears a responsive call. Turning toward the quarter from whence
+it seemed to come they saw a hat waving.
+
+"It's Old Hank, sure it is!" exclaimed Bob, with a thrill of delight;
+for the burden of going up against three desperate characters was more
+than boy nature could stand without more or less uneasiness.
+
+"That's Chesty with him," announced Frank, as two figures were
+discovered coming toward them. "Why, if we'd made all the arrangements
+ourselves we couldn't have done better, Bob. Here comes our
+reinforcements just in the nick of time. And if Eugene and his backers
+are still up yonder in the cliff dwellers' homes, they have stayed a
+little while too long, that's all."
+
+In another three minutes the boys were shaking hands with Old Hank and
+Chesty; the latter with a cheerful grin on his face, as though he
+considered it quite a joke to break in on Frank's game at the finishing
+point.
+
+Of course they were ignorant as to how matters stood. And Frank took
+upon himself the task of explaining all that had happened.
+
+"Ther up yonder yet, then," announced Hank, after he had carefully
+inspected the footprints, and noted that they all pointed one way; "that
+is to say, if they ain't got an airyplane along as would allow of them
+flying off. An' Frank, when ye sez the word we'uns are goin' t' walk up
+this rock ladder t' see what sorter place the ole perfessor keeps."
+
+"Then I say it now," declared Frank, anxious to have the thing settled
+one way or the other without further delay.
+
+"Foller arter me, all of ye!" called the old plainsman, as he plunged
+into the gap.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+ANOTHER SURPRISE
+
+
+"One thing, we won't need torches this time, Hank!" remarked Bob as he
+prepared to follow after the leader.
+
+"I reckons not, Bobby," chuckled the veteran cowman, who knew that
+something about the situation must have recalled their entering that
+cave that day where sly old Sallie and her half-grown whelps awaited
+their coming with bared teeth.
+
+Just back of Hank came Chesty, who was a very ambitious young fellow,
+and always to be counted on with regard to obtaining his proper share in
+every little excitement that happened. Then Frank filed along; and at
+his heels Bob climbed; while Charley Moi brought up the rear, bent on
+seeing all that might come to pass.
+
+The crevice immediately began to mount upward, just as Frank had
+anticipated it would. There were times when the climbing was pretty
+steep, and Frank began to wonder what sort of agile man this old and
+stubborn Professor Oswald could be, to overcome such difficulties so
+often, while in the pursuit of his hobby.
+
+Bob was soon panting, but no less bent on "keeping up with the
+procession," as he himself put it. They had been going back from the
+face of the cliff pretty much all the time, so that there was really no
+chance to take an observation, in order to tell just how far up they had
+come.
+
+Frank felt sure, however, after this labor had kept up for quite a long
+time, that they must now be getting near the top of the break, or where
+the crooked crack in the face of the rock ended.
+
+He tried to picture what they would find. If Eugene and his reckless
+backers had been in possession of the place for some hours now, they
+must have tried all sorts of expedients in order to compel the professor
+to reveal the secret hiding place of the valuable document, and make it
+over to them. Nor would such heartless men hesitate long about adopting
+torture in order to force a confession from the unwilling victim.
+
+Then Frank wondered if the three rascals would attempt any tactics
+looking to holding the attacking force at bay. They were well armed, no
+doubt, and having such a rich treasure hanging in the scales, it might
+be expected that they would hate to let it slip from their covetous
+grasp without putting up some sort of fight.
+
+But all that could be left to Old Hank. For many years he had been the
+leading figure in all the affairs that centered around Circle Ranch. Did
+the rustlers run off part of the herd, the veteran was put in charge of
+the pursuing force. Sometimes the sly marauders got off scot free; but
+more often they paid dearly for their audacity in picking out Colonel
+Haywood's ranch as the scene of their foray.
+
+Frank really had no fears as to the result, now that Hank had arrived on
+the scene to direct operations. The three schemers might give them some
+trouble, but they could not carry the day.
+
+"Please let a fellow rest up a little, Hank!" came from Bob, finally.
+
+The old cow puncher understood that the pace had been too warm for the
+tenderfoot; and he considerately halted. Perhaps none of the climbers
+were averse to a breathing spell before the final round. It would put
+them in better condition for the wind-up, whatever that might prove to
+be.
+
+"Frank," whispered Bob, as he pulled at the trouser leg of his chum so
+as to induce him to bend down closer.
+
+"What's the row?" asked the other, in somewhat the same guarded tone, as
+he managed to double over, and bring his face close to that of his
+friend.
+
+"Charley Moi has just told me something," Bob went on. "You know we
+found out before now that he's got the greatest pair of ears ever for
+hearing things? Well, he says there's something or some one following us
+up this old crack!"
+
+"Whew! that's nice, now. A regular procession, it seems," remarked
+Frank.
+
+"Who d'ye think it can be; and would a bear or a mountain lion pick up
+our tracks this way?" continued Bob, who was trying to work his rifle
+around, so as to cover the rear.
+
+"Wait! Let's all listen, after I send the word along to Hank and
+Chesty," remarked Frank.
+
+When this had been done even the old cowman thought well enough of the
+idea to wait until they could find out the nature of the sounds that had
+reached the keen hearing of the wide-awake Chinaman.
+
+It was only half light in the break of the rock, and the passage they
+had been following thus far was so very crooked that no one could see
+more than twenty feet down the trail.
+
+Still every eye was fastened on that point where the advancing man or
+animal would first appear. Frank, too, had his rifle bearing on the
+spot; and taken as a whole the appearance of the little company,
+flattened out against the break in the mighty rock wall, was rather
+threatening.
+
+All of them could catch the sounds below now. Whoever came up the rock
+ladder must be unused to negotiating such a stairway, for they rattled
+small bits of loose shale down at times; and Frank felt sure he could
+hear a panting sound, very much like that which tired Bob had been
+making a minute ago.
+
+And, as he listened, Frank made a discovery that caused him to tighten
+his grip on that reliable repeating rifle. There were two of the
+pursuers! And he anticipated that the leader must come in sight ere
+another dozen seconds passed!
+
+There was some sort of movement now, down in the region of the little
+twist where the steep stairway of the old cliff dwellers made a turn.
+Then a head and shoulders came into view.
+
+Frank chuckled aloud. Just in almost that last second of time he had
+suddenly guessed the truth, when, in this clinging figure that was
+staring upward, as though filled with genuine surprise, he recognized an
+old friend.
+
+It was Mr. Stanwix, the sheriff of the county!
+
+He and his mate from the adjoining division of Coconino must have just
+had a glimpse of Charley Moi disappearing in the dark hole at the base
+of the cliff; and, being in pursuit of two shrewd law breakers, who had
+been known to appear in other dress than that of cowmen, perhaps the
+officers had concluded that here was something that ought to be
+investigated.
+
+Frank immediately made a friendly gesture with one hand. He did not want
+to risk the chances of being fired upon by the officers of the law, who
+might take the little party for bad men. Then he beckoned in a fashion
+that the sheriff must readily understand to mean caution, and silence.
+
+They saw Mr. Stanwix bend down as though he might be explaining to his
+fellow officer what an astonishing thing had happened. After that he
+came on, climbing the steep rock ladder as an exhausted person might.
+Yet his nature was like that of the bulldog; and once he had started to
+do a thing, nothing could make him stop.
+
+When he arrived at a point where he could make his way alongside Frank,
+squeezing past Charley Moi and Bob, the sheriff of Yavapai County turned
+an inquiring look upon his young friend.
+
+Whereupon Frank started in to tell him just who the other three in the
+party happened to be; and that they were bent upon foiling the lawless
+game of three rascals plotting for a big stake.
+
+In return Mr. Stanwix intimated that they had suspected something wrong
+when they saw from a little distance two persons, and one of them a
+Chinaman, disappearing in a cleft of the rocks. Further explanations
+must await a better opportunity, however. They were now too near the
+series of chambers connecting with one another to hesitate longer.
+
+Besides, who could say what might not be going on up there a little
+further, in those holes in the wall where, ages ago, the singular people
+whom Professor Oswald loved to study about, had their homes, and lived
+on from year to year?
+
+Old Hank, when he once more started upward, seemed to have become much
+more cautious. Frank could easily guess the reason. There was a strong
+possibility that the three schemers might have learned of their presence
+in the vicinity ere now. And of course Eugene knew full well why Frank
+and Bob had come to the Grand Canyon from their ranch home.
+
+Suspecting that sooner or later the two boys might discover the way up
+to the cliff house, they would be apt to lay a trap of some sort,
+thinking to catch them napping when they ascended.
+
+Old Hank could not be taken unawares any easier than might the wary
+weasel that has never been seen asleep by mortal eyes.
+
+Frank, keeping well up by the heels of the little cowboy's boots, was
+ready to draw himself upward at the first sign of trouble. He knew when
+Hank had reached the top of the singular stairway fashioned by Nature
+for the benefit of those who built their habitations near the top of
+the cliff, far beyond the reach of enemies in the valley below.
+
+A few seconds of suspense followed, while Chesty was following the
+veteran into the first hollowed-out apartment. Nothing followed where
+Frank had been expecting all manner of evil things.
+
+"Perhaps they're asleep," was the new thought that flashed through his
+brain. He did not know what manner of man Uncle Felix was.
+
+Now they were all gathered there in that outer chamber that might be
+called an ante-room of the various apartments running along the face of
+the cliff for some distance.
+
+Even Charley Moi was there, full of curiosity, and willing to lend a
+hand after a fashion. Bob looked around; just as his chum had done as
+soon as he entered. He saw that some one had certainly been there
+recently. There were plenty of evidences to that effect.
+
+Old Hank raised his hand with the forefinger elevated. It was recognized
+as a signal for absolute silence by all the others. Even Bob restrained
+his desire to ask questions; and every one listened, as if expecting to
+catch sounds.
+
+Was that a human voice?
+
+Frank started a trifle as the idea came to him. Still, it might only
+have been an additionally strong movement of the breeze; turning some
+angle that caused it to give forth a sound.
+
+He turned to see if any of the others had heard, and judged from the way
+old Hank had his head raised that he, too, had caught the sound; also
+that it appealed to him as full of significance.
+
+Again the veteran waved his hand. This time it meant not only caution,
+but an invitation to advance. Hank was about to pass into the next
+apartment, and wished the others to keep close at his heels.
+
+Bob was quivering all over with the fever of suspense, as well as
+pent-up eagerness. He did not know just how much longer he could hold
+in; for he wanted to yell. Still, he did not do it. Since coming to this
+wonderland country of the Southwest he had learned many lessons in the
+way of self control; and every day he was gaining more and more of a
+mastery over himself.
+
+Now Hank was in the second room, and still heading onward toward another
+hole in the wall, evidently the only means of communication between the
+various houses forming the little community.
+
+When he reached this, voices were plainly heard beyond. Hank kept right
+on, heading for yet a third doorway; and whoever was doing the talking,
+he or they must be in that further apartment; so that in another minute
+Frank expected to have his curiosity fully satisfied.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+THE LITTLE OLD MAN OF ECHO CAVE
+
+
+"You admit you have carried the document with you, and that it's only a
+question of refusing to produce it, Professor?"
+
+Frank recognized that drawling voice. He had heard his father's cousin,
+Eugene Warringford, speak many times, and generally in this slow way.
+But Frank also knew that back of his apparently careless manner there
+was more or less venom. Eugene could hate, and hide his feelings in a
+masterly manner. He could smile, and then strike behind the back of the
+one with whom he was dealing. And somehow his very drawling voice always
+made Frank quiver with instinctive dislike.
+
+"I admit nothing, sir," came another voice, quick and nervous, yet with
+a firmness that told of considerable spirit. "You come upon me in my
+retreat without an invitation, and at first claim to be a warm admirer
+of my work, which you seem to have studied fairly well. But now you are
+taking the mask off, sir; and I can recognize the wolf under the sheep's
+clothing."
+
+Frank had heard that the old scientist, though a small man, was full of
+grit; and he could well believe it after hearing him speak.
+
+And Bob, who crouched close at the side of his chum, gave Frank a nudge
+as if to say: "What do you think of that for nerve; isn't he the limit,
+though?"
+
+Eugene laughed in his lazy way at being accused of evil intentions.
+Apparently he had about made up his mind that there was no use in longer
+beating about the bush. He had the old gentleman cooped up in this
+isolated place, where no assistance could possibly reach him. And backed
+up himself by a couple of reckless rascals, no doubt Eugene considered
+himself in a position to demand obedience.
+
+"Well, my dear old gentleman," he remarked, and by the sound Frank
+imagined the fellow must be lighting a fresh cigarette, for he seemed to
+puff between the words; "just as you say, what's the use of carrying the
+joke on any longer. Let's be brutally frank with each other from now
+on."
+
+"Very well," replied the other, quickly. "Here's the situation then, in
+a nutshell. You suddenly appear before me, with a couple of men you
+claim are guides, but whom I have every reason to believe are low
+minions who are simply in your pay."
+
+"Careful, Professor," Eugene broke in. "I'd advise you to go a bit
+slow. These men talk English, if they do look like Mexicans; and they
+may resent being called rascals."
+
+"Let that pass," continued the hermit of Echo Cave, as though waving the
+matter aside contemptuously. "At any rate, you come suddenly into my
+habitation here, where I have spent many happy months in solitude,
+wrapped up in my studies of the people of the cliffs, who spent their
+lives in this very place, and who have left many traces of their customs
+behind. My work is almost finished, and in another week I expected
+leaving here for civilization, with a masterly book on the subject that
+has mystified the world for a century."
+
+"Come to the point, Professor," broke in the man with the drawl; "and
+keep all this about your studies for those of your kind, who may
+appreciate them. We are concerned only about one thing; and that is a
+certain paper which you will presently take from its hiding-place, sign
+over to me, and then finish your labors here in peace. Understand that?"
+
+"By good luck I was forewarned," the sharp voice went on; "and hence I
+made sure not to carry that document on my person. You have taken the
+liberty of searching every inch of these cliff houses since you arrived
+here, but without success. And allow me to inform you, sir, that you
+might hunt until the day of doom without the slightest chance of finding
+that paper. It will never be yours!"
+
+"Oh! I am not worrying in the least, Professor," Eugene remarked,
+coolly. "You will see a great light presently, I imagine."
+
+"I have already done so, sir," came the snappy reply. "I am awakening to
+the fact that too long have I been neglecting my daughter; and that
+since this investment of mine has turned out so happily, it must become
+her property."
+
+"Very nice and thoughtful of you, Professor," sneered Eugene; "and while
+I dislike to spoil such delightful plans, I fear I must do so. It is my
+nature to persist in anything I undertake. And I have made up my mind to
+possess that document; or make you pay dearly for my disappointment."
+
+"Now you begin to descend to low threats, sir," cried the scientist, who
+did not seem to be a particle afraid; which proved the truth of the old
+saying that courage does not necessarily need a big tenement.
+
+"We have hunted high and low through this series of ratholes, and
+without any success," observed Eugene, beginning to bite off his words,
+as though unable to much longer keep up the pretense of being calm.
+"What have you done with that old Moqui who came up here ahead of us?"
+
+"Ah! you saw him enter the hidden stairway, then, and that was how you
+learned the way to reach these cliff dwellings?" exclaimed the other, as
+though one thing that had bothered him was now explained.
+
+"Yes, that was how it came about," answered Eugene. "We have followed
+him like his own shadow for days, and yet he knew it not. Age must have
+dimmed the sight and hearing of the warrior. After we saw him pass
+upward, on investigating, we found the stone ladder in the crevice, and
+we waited several hours for him to come down, for we wanted to make sure
+of him first. As he did not appear, we finally could stand it no longer,
+and began to creep up here, inches at a time. Then we surprised you, and
+announced our intention of stopping with you."
+
+"Yes," declared the scientist, bitterly. "First you pretended that you
+were sent out by a magazine to search for me, and get some points as to
+my great work here among the Zunis, the Hopis and the Moquis. But I soon
+discovered that you had another motive in trying to find Professor
+Oswald. You began to hint about your desire to possess stock in certain
+mines, and especially in one, the ownership of which I had carried in my
+hand for some years. Besides, I had been warned of your real intentions,
+and was on my guard."
+
+"What became of that old Moqui Indian?" went on Eugene. "He climbed up,
+but he did not come down. We guarded that stairway closely every minute
+of the time. We have searched every room in this rabbit burrow that we
+could discover; but still he does not show up. Have you put him away in
+some place, the entrance to which is hidden from our eyes?"
+
+The only reply to this question was a scornful laugh. As Bob would say,
+it was as if the defiant little professor had flashed out.
+
+"Don't you wish you knew?"
+
+"Well, as the document and the Moqui have both vanished mysteriously,
+there's only one thing I can conclude," went on Eugene, between his
+teeth; "and that is they must be together at this very moment. Produce
+the one, and the other will be found not far away."
+
+"What a wise man you are, sir!" remarked the little scientist, with a
+sneer.
+
+"Perhaps I may prove a more successful one than you imagine," returned
+Eugene, between furious puffs. "Now, all the time I have been turning
+this old lot of rabbit burrows upside down I've been thinking a whole
+lot, Professor."
+
+"Bravo!" exclaimed the other clapping his hands vigorously; "it will
+certainly do you a great amount of good, sir, for I imagine you seldom
+treat yourself to such a luxury as a good hard think. And may I inquire
+concerning the result of your labors in that line?"
+
+"First of all, I sized you up as a mighty stubborn little bit of
+humanity."
+
+"Oh! thank you, sir. Really, I am disposed to accept that as a
+compliment; for you see, a man of my profession could never succeed
+unless he had mastered his inclination for an easy life, and had become
+a stoic. And what else did you happen to decide after this wonderful fit
+of thinking, may I ask, sir?"
+
+"This: I made up my mind that once you declined to produce that
+document, to secure which I have come a great distance, and undergone
+considerable fatigue, that no threat of bodily harm would induce you to
+alter your decision!"
+
+"It is really very interesting to hear you say this, sir," remarked the
+one who had lived in that lofty cave for many months, poring over the
+queer things that he unearthed from time to time in the ruins of the
+cliff dwellers' homes. "And after reaching such a conclusion as that,
+how comes it you persisted in trying to carry out your original
+intention?"
+
+"Because I had another arrow in my quiver, Professor!" remarked Eugene,
+in a penetrating voice, that had a ring of anticipated triumph in it.
+
+"H'm! torture, perhaps?" suggested the other; "but my dear sir, nothing
+of that nature could make me open my lips. I would die rather than
+submit to your proposals."
+
+"But wait a bit, my old friend," chuckled Eugene; "there are two kinds
+of torture, that of the body, and of the mind!"
+
+"I suppose you are right, sir," the little scientist remarked; "but
+honestly, now, I fail to understand the drift of your remarks."
+
+"Then it shall be my pleasure to enlighten you, Professor," Eugene
+continued. "Pay attention to me now, and you will quickly have the
+cataract removed from your eyes. Is there anything in the world that you
+value above that document which you know by this time has suddenly
+increased in value many times over?"
+
+"I can think of but one thing--my daughter Janice!" replied the other,
+quickly. "And she is far beyond your reach in the East."
+
+"Ah yes, quite true, Professor," the schemer went on; "more's the pity.
+But I think you make a mistake when you say that your daughter is the
+only thing on earth you value above the million that has suddenly
+dropped at your feet. How about this, Professor?"
+
+He evidently held something up, for the other immediately uttered a
+startled cry.
+
+"The manuscript of my forthcoming book on the mysteries of the cliff
+dwellers of the Grand Canyon! The hard work of three long years of
+exile! A labor of love that I expected will place my name among the
+front ranks of scientists!"
+
+"Exactly!" sneered Eugene. "Just keep back, Professor, please. My men
+are not in any too pleasant a mood, and I would not answer for what they
+might do to you if you made the first effort to snatch this thing from
+my hands. Sit down again, and let us reason together."
+
+"You wretch! Now I begin to see your game. You would threaten to destroy
+all my precious work of years, in order to obtain a miserable paper."
+
+At that Eugene laughed loudly.
+
+"It may be all you say, Professor," he remarked; "but it represents a
+snug little fortune that I'd like to possess. The future would be mighty
+pleasant, once I made that fine hit. And if it appears like so much
+trash in your eyes, my dear man, there should no longer be any
+hesitation about giving it up to me. Think of the work you have done. It
+couldn't be replaced, Professor, I imagine? If now I should deliberately
+take a match out of my pocket like this, strike the same, and apply the
+busy little flame to these papers, the history of the Zunis, the Hopis,
+the Moquis, and their ancestors the cliff dwellers, would be forever
+lost to the world, wouldn't it?"
+
+"Stop, you wretch!" cried the excited hermit, who was apparently
+greatly alarmed at seeing his precious manuscript in peril.
+
+"Ah! do you then consent to open your mouth, and tell what I want to
+know?" demanded his tormentor.
+
+"Is there no other way out?" asked the prisoner of the cave, hopelessly.
+
+"None," replied Eugene, harshly. "My men are watching for the Moqui to
+show up every second, and with orders to shoot him on sight. So don't
+indulge in any hope that he can save you. There, the match has burned
+itself out; but remember, Professor, there are others, plenty of them,
+where that came from. I will give you one minute to produce that paper."
+
+The scientist uttered a sigh that was plainly heard.
+
+"I suppose I must yield to fate then," he said, dismally. "But you
+promise to return my papers to me after I have complied with your
+outrageous demands?"
+
+"To be sure I will, and only too gladly," replied the other, eagerly. "I
+don't want to make the terms too hard on you, old man. Only you must
+choose now between losing either the fortune, or your work of years. And
+perhaps we'd find the document after all, too. Speak up; where is it?"
+
+"Examine that rock stool on which you are seated, and you will find
+that it can be moved," the voice of the hermit went on, steadily.
+"There, now that you have over-turned the seat, you discover something
+in the cavity. Keep your word, and place in my hands my precious packet
+of manuscript. Threats of taking my life might not move me; but when you
+place in peril that on which my reputation as a scientist must be based,
+it is too much. Thank you, sir; I see you are a man of your word. And I
+will sign the papers just as you may wish to have done."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+TURNING THE TABLES--CONCLUSION
+
+
+"Come on in, boys!"
+
+Old Hank Coombs had stood all the while this intensely interesting
+dialogue was going on, as though glued to the spot. Indeed, not one of
+the party in the adjoining apartment of the cliff dwellers' cave but who
+had kept drinking in the conversation as though it fairly fascinated
+them.
+
+But when the old cow puncher realized that to all appearances the
+outrageous scheme of Eugene had worked only too well, and that the
+precious document was even then in the hands of the smooth-tongued
+plotter, he suddenly awoke to the fact that perhaps they had waited a
+little too long.
+
+Through the opening that served as a doorway between the apartments he
+jumped, followed immediately by Chesty, the two sheriffs, and finally
+the saddle boys, with Charley Moi bringing up the rear.
+
+Of course their unexpected coming created quite a breeze among those
+whom they thus surprised. The little man who wore the goggles seemed
+delighted, and immediately started to place himself, and his precious
+manuscript, in a position where he might be covered by these welcome
+allies.
+
+Spanish Joe and Abajo had started to draw their weapons; but when they
+discovered that they had already been covered, and recognized several
+among the newcomers as old companions on Circle Ranch, they promptly
+elevated their hands.
+
+Eugene looked just as ugly as he felt. The prize had apparently been
+about to fall into his hands, like a ripe apple, when this change of
+front had to occur.
+
+He kept his wits about him, however, and like the shrewd fox that he
+was, played the game to the limit for his own safety.
+
+"Keep your friends back, Professor Oswald!" he shouted, as he managed to
+interpose what looked like a stone table between himself and the two
+sheriffs, who had their hungry eyes on him. "See here, unless you
+promise on your word of honor not to proceed against me for this little
+game that didn't work, I'll tear this paper that's worth a million into
+little bits, no matter what happens to me afterwards! Do you hear,
+Professor?"
+
+Frank caught his breath. After all the hard work which he and Bob had
+put in to save that precious document for Janice, was it to be lost?
+
+He wanted to fly at the man, and snatch it from his hands; but did not
+dare; for only too well did he know that at the first hostile move
+Eugene would proceed to put his threat into execution.
+
+To his intense surprise the little man with the big glasses seemed to be
+shaking as with a convulsion of laughter. It did not seem as though he
+worried about the fate of the document Eugene held so rigidly, while
+awaiting an answer to his demand.
+
+"Do just as you please about that, my friend," chuckled the scientist.
+"If it would afford you any enjoyment to destroy the paper you are
+holding, I wouldn't cheat you out of it for the world."
+
+"But--" stammered the defeated plotter, "it would render void all your
+right to taking possession of the San Bernardino mine, if this document
+were destroyed!"
+
+"Oh! dear no, not at all," exclaimed the other, cheerily. "The fact is,
+that paper is even now on the way to the nearest post office, addressed
+to my friend and relative, Colonel Haywood, and is to go by registered
+mail."
+
+"That Moqui Indian--" gasped Eugene, falling back helplessly.
+
+"Exactly, he carries the packet, with orders to let nothing divert him
+from his one purpose," observed the scientist; while Bob nudged his
+chum in the side, unable to restrain his delight over the wonderful
+outcome of the knotty problem.
+
+"How did he get out of here?" asked Eugene. "We watched the stone
+stairway every minute of the time, and he didn't go down that way."
+
+"Oh! well, in my prowling around here, month after month," explained the
+hermit, "I managed to find a way the old cliff dwellers had for reaching
+the summit of the rocks, in case of necessity. The Moqui possessed the
+nerve required to crawl along the face of the cliff on a narrow ledge,
+and make the exit. He is miles away by now, and my daughter's
+inheritance is safe!"
+
+"But--this paper here," asked Eugene, faintly; yet with curiosity
+governing his actions; "it seems to be a legal document, transferring a
+majority of the shares of the San Bernardino mine over to you if the
+further conditions are fulfilled within a certain time?"
+
+"To be sure," laughed the other, "that was the first copy, you might
+say. There was some little defect about it, which we discovered after it
+was signed; so a second copy was made. If you had examined that one
+closer you would have found that the stamp necessary to make it legal
+was lacking. Somehow I happened to keep both copies, never dreaming how
+valuable this bogus one might prove."
+
+Eugene threw the paper angrily to the floor.
+
+"I'm done!" he cried, shaking his head. "Come on, Mr. Stanwix, if you
+are after me, and put the irons on; though I don't think you've got any
+show of convicting me of any unlawful game. I claim to have come here to
+interview this famous old gentleman about the wonderful discoveries he
+has made connected with these people of the cliffs. I expected to make a
+big sum in selling the article to a magazine. Perhaps you might give me
+more or less trouble if you cared; but then it's another thing to show
+proof. And the professor wouldn't like to stay out here long months,
+waiting for the case to come on."
+
+"That's where you're right, my tall friend," chirped the little
+scientist; "and as my work is almost finished I do not mean to let
+anything detain me from getting my book in the hands of the printers."
+
+"Hear that, Mr. Stanwix; he says we're going to get off easy, and you
+might as well wish us good day right now?" exclaimed Eugene, nodding to
+the Yavapai sheriff, whom he appeared to know.
+
+"Well, there's no hurry," remarked that official, pleasantly. "On the
+whole, my opinion is that it would be good policy to keep you locked up
+until we know that the document has reached the hands of the one to whom
+it was sent, and who is, I believe, the father of our friend, Frank,
+here."
+
+"I agree with you, Mr. Sheriff!" declared the old hermit of the cave.
+"Because if he were set free I fear he would chase after the United
+States mail, if a single hope remained of stealing my property. Yes,
+kindly keep him by you until I come around with news."
+
+Then he turned to the two cow punchers, who had stood moodily by,
+listening to all that was being said.
+
+"I have no use for either of you men," he remarked, shaking a finger at
+them; "so the sooner you get down out of this place, the better. And
+while I continue to remain here a few days, I'm going to ask these brave
+lads to keep me company as a guard of honor. I've many things to show
+that may interest them. And I want to accompany Frank to his home a
+little later, if possible."
+
+And so it was arranged. Old Hank and Chesty declared that their orders
+had been to stay as long as Frank and Bob did; so they also took up
+their quarters in the apartments that went to make up what the little
+old gentleman had called Echo Cave.
+
+The two sheriffs took their prisoner away, to place him in some secure
+nook while they continued their search for the pair of scoundrels whom
+they had hunted so long, and were determined to get this time.
+
+As they will not be seen again in this story it may only be right to say
+that Frank afterwards read an account in a paper of how the sheriffs
+finally rounded up the Arizona Kid and Big Bill Guffey, arresting them
+after a warm resistance in which all of the participants were wounded.
+And in due time doubtless the bad men who had so long defied the law,
+paid the penalty for their various crimes.
+
+The saddle boys certainly did enjoy the few days they spent with the
+queer little hermit, while he completed his odd business in the rock
+dwellings of the ancient cliff men.
+
+They found the echo which had caused him to give the place its name, and
+spent many an hour amusing themselves with its astonishing power to send
+back sounds.
+
+Finally Havasupai made his appearance, bearing with him a receipt, which
+proved that the precious packet had been sent by registered mail to
+Circle Ranch.
+
+And then the professor announced himself as ready to take his departure
+from the scene of his two years' labors as a hermit, working in the
+interests of science.
+
+"It's a wonderful old place," Bob declared as they took their last look
+at the Grand Canyon from the bluff in front of the hotel, ere mounting
+their horses and starting back home across the many miles that lay to
+the south and east before Circle Ranch might be reached.
+
+"Yes, and we'll never forget what we've seen here," added Frank.
+
+"Not to speak of the adventures that have come our way," remarked Bob.
+"Tell you the truth, Frank, I'll be mighty sorry when our trip is over,
+because I reckon it'll be a long time before we have another chance for
+such a great gallop."
+
+But although of course he did not know it just then, Bob was very much
+mistaken when he made this prophecy. It happened that events were
+shaping themselves at that very hour in a way calculated to call upon
+the saddle boys to make another venture into the realms of chance, and
+mounted upon their prized horses too. What these events were, and how
+well Frank and Bob acquitted themselves when brought face to face with
+new adventures, will be found set forth in the next volume of this
+series, under the title of, "The Saddle Boys on the Plains; Or, After a
+Treasure of Gold."
+
+Old Hank and Chesty accompanied Professor Oswald by way of the railroad
+to a point nearest the ranch, where a vehicle would be awaiting them. He
+had been greatly interested in hearing how one of the bottles that he
+had thrown into the swift current of the Colorado had been eventually
+picked up in far distant Mohave City; and thus his note came into the
+hands of his relatives.
+
+Of course Frank and his chum enjoyed the return gallop even more than
+when on the way to the Grand Canyon. They no longer had anything
+weighing on their minds, since the plans of Eugene Warringford had been
+broken up. And besides, the recollection of the astounding wonders they
+had gazed upon in that great canyon were bound to haunt them forever.
+
+The little professor was waiting to see them at the ranch, before
+starting East to join his daughter, and get his wonderful book under
+way.
+
+"I owe you boys more than I can tell," he declared, when he was saying
+good-bye; "and you needn't be at all surprised if a nice little bunch of
+gold mine stock comes this way for each of you, just as soon as my deal
+goes through, which will be in one more week."
+
+He was as good as his word, and when the mine came under his authority
+he did send both Frank and Bob some stock, on which they could collect
+dividends four times a year.
+
+Frank looked in vain for the coming of the old Moqui. Charley Moi did
+indeed turn up a little later, anxious to again meet the boys whom he
+had served in the Grand Canyon. But Havasupai came not to Circle Ranch;
+and remembering how he had apparently been fleeing from the wrath of his
+people at the time they first met him, Frank and Bob could not but
+wonder whether the old warrior had gone back to his native village only
+to meet his fate at the hands of his people, according to Moqui law.
+
+Here we may leave our two young friends, the saddle boys, for a short
+time, enjoying a well earned rest. But the lure of the great outdoors
+was so strongly rooted in their natures that it may be readily
+understood they could not remain inactive long; but would soon be
+galloping over the wide reaches, following the cowboys as they rounded
+up the herds, branded mavericks and young cattle, and picked out those
+intended for shipment to the great marts at Kansas City.
+
+But while new scenes would likely interest Frank and Bob from time to
+time, they could never forget the magnificent views that had been
+stamped upon their memories forever while in the Grand Canyon of the
+mighty Colorado.
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+     *     *     *     *     *     *
+
+
+THE BOYS' OUTING LIBRARY
+
+_12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full color. Price, per volume, 65
+cents, postpaid._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE SADDLE BOYS SERIES
+
+BY CAPT. JAMES CARSON
+
+  The Saddle Boys of the Rockies
+  The Saddle Boys in the Grand Canyon
+  The Saddle Boys on the Plains
+  The Saddle Boys at Circle Ranch
+  The Saddle Boys on Mexican Trails
+
+
+THE DAVE DASHAWAY SERIES
+
+BY ROY ROCKWOOD
+
+  Dave Dashaway the Young Aviator
+  Dave Dashaway and His Hydroplane
+  Dave Dashaway and His Giant Airship
+  Dave Dashaway Around the World
+  Dave Dashaway: Air Champion
+
+
+THE SPEEDWELL BOYS SERIES
+
+BY ROY ROCKWOOD
+
+  The Speedwell Boys on Motorcycles
+  The Speedwell Boys and Their Racing Auto
+  The Speedwell Boys and Their Power Launch
+  The Speedwell Boys in a Submarine
+  The Speedwell Boys and Their Ice Racer
+
+
+THE TOM FAIRFIELD SERIES
+
+By ALLEN CHAPMAN
+
+  Tom Fairfield's School Days
+  Tom Fairfield at Sea
+  Tom Fairfield in Camp
+  Tom Fairfield's Pluck and Luck
+  Tom Fairfield's Hunting Trip
+
+
+THE FRED FENTON ATHLETIC SERIES
+
+By ALLEN CHAPMAN
+
+  Fred Fenton the Pitcher
+  Fred Fenton in the Line
+  Fred Fenton on the Crew
+  Fred Fenton on the Track
+  Fred Fenton: Marathon Runner
+
+_Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue._
+
+
+CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York
+
+
+
+
+THE JEWEL SERIES
+
+BY AMES THOMPSON
+
+_12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in colors_
+
+Price per volume, 65 cents
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_A series of stories brimming with hardy adventure, vivid and accurate
+in detail, and with a good foundation of probability. They take the
+reader realistically to the scene of action. Besides being lively and
+full of real situations, they are written in a straightforward way very
+attractive to boy readers._
+
+1. THE ADVENTURE BOYS AND THE VALLEY OF DIAMONDS
+
+Malcolm Edwards and his son Ralph are adventurers with ample means for
+following up their interest in jewel clues. In this book they form a
+party of five, including Jimmy Stone and Bret Hartson, boys of Ralph's
+age, and a shrewd level-headed sailor named Stanley Greene. They find a
+valley of diamonds in the heart of Africa.
+
+2. THE ADVENTURE BOYS AND THE RIVER OF EMERALDS
+
+The five adventurers, staying at a hotel in San Francisco, find that
+Pedro the elevator man has an interesting story of a hidden "river of
+emeralds" in Peru, to tell. With him as guide, they set out to find it,
+escape various traps set for them by jealous Peruvians, and are much
+amused by Pedro all through the experience.
+
+3. THE ADVENTURE BOYS AND THE LAGOON OF PEARLS
+
+This time the group starts out on a cruise simply for pleasure, but
+their adventuresome spirits lead them into the thick of things on a
+South Sea cannibal island.
+
+_Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_
+
+
+CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, PUBLISHERS New York
+
+
+
+
+THE BOMBA BOOKS
+
+BY ROY ROCKWOOD
+
+_12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. With colored jacket_
+
+Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Bomba lived far back in the jungles of the Amazon with a half-demented
+naturalist who told the lad nothing of his past. The jungle boy was a
+lover of birds, and hunted animals with a bow and arrow and his trusty
+machete. He had a primitive education in some things, and his daring
+adventures will be followed with breathless interest by thousands._
+
+1. BOMBA THE JUNGLE BOY _or The Old Naturalist's Secret_
+
+In the depth of the jungle Bomba lives a life replete with thrilling
+situations. Once he saves the lives of two American rubber hunters who
+ask him who he is, and how he had come into the jungle. He sets off to
+solve the mystery of his identity.
+
+2. BOMBA THE JUNGLE BOY AT THE MOVING MOUNTAIN _or The Mystery of the
+Caves of Fire_
+
+Bomba travels through the jungle, encountering wild beasts and hostile
+natives. At last he trails the old man of the burning mountain to his
+cave and learns more concerning himself.
+
+3. BOMBA THE JUNGLE BOY AT THE GIANT CATARACT _or Chief Nascanora and
+His Captives_
+
+From the Moving Mountain Bomba travels to the Giant Cataract, still
+searching out his parentage. Among the Pilati Indians he finds some
+white captives, and an aged opera singer who is the first to give Bomba
+real news of his forebears.
+
+4. BOMBA THE JUNGLE BOY ON JAGUAR ISLAND _or Adrift on the River of
+Mystery_
+
+Jaguar Island was a spot as dangerous as it was mysterious and Bomba was
+warned to keep away. But the plucky boy sallied forth and met adventures
+galore.
+
+5. BOMBA THE JUNGLE BOY IN THE ABANDONED CITY _or A Treasure Ten
+Thousand Years Old_
+
+Years ago this great city had sunk out of sight beneath the trees of the
+jungle. A wily half-breed and his tribe thought to carry away its
+treasure of gold and precious stones. Bomba follows.
+
+_Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_
+
+
+CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York
+
+
+
+
+SEA STORIES FOR BOYS
+
+BY JOHN GABRIEL ROWE
+
+_Large 12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Colored jacket_
+
+Price per volume, $1.00 Net
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Every boy who knows the lure of exploring, and who loves to rig up huts
+and caves and tree-houses to fortify himself against imaginary enemies
+will enjoy these books, for they give a vivid chronicle of the doings
+and inventions of a group of boys who are shipwrecked, and have to make
+themselves snug and safe in tropical islands where the dangers are too
+real for play._
+
+1. CRUSOE ISLAND
+
+Dick, Alf and Fred find themselves stranded on an unknown island with
+the old seaman Josh. Their ship destroyed by fire, their friends lost,
+they have to make shift for themselves for a whole exciting year before
+being rescued.
+
+2. THE ISLAND TREASURE
+
+With much ingenuity these boys fit themselves into the wild life of the
+island they are cast upon in storm. They build various kinds of
+strongholds and spend most of their time outwitting their enemies.
+
+3. THE MYSTERY OF THE DERELICT
+
+Their ship and companions perished in tempest at sea, the boys are
+adrift in a small open boat when they spy a ship. Such a strange
+vessel!--no hand guiding it, no soul on board,--a derelict. It carries a
+gruesome mystery, as the boys soon discover, and it leads them into a
+series of strange experiences.
+
+_Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_
+
+
+CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, PUBLISHERS New York
+
+
+
+
+THE BOY RANCHERS SERIES
+
+BY WILLARD F. BAKER
+
+_12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors_
+
+Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Stories of the great west, with cattle ranches as a setting, related in
+such a style as to captivate the hearts of all boys._
+
+1. THE BOY RANCHERS _or Solving the Mystery at Diamond X_
+
+Two eastern boys visit their cousin. They become involved in an exciting
+mystery.
+
+2. THE BOY RANCHERS IN CAMP _or The Water Fight at Diamond X_
+
+Returning for a visit, the two eastern lads learn, with delight, that
+they are to become boy ranchers.
+
+3. THE BOY RANCHERS ON THE TRAIL _or The Diamond X After Cattle
+Rustlers_
+
+Our boy heroes take the trail after Del Pinzo and his outlaws.
+
+4. THE BOY RANCHERS AMONG THE INDIANS _or Trailing the Yaquis_
+
+Rosemary and Floyd are captured by the Yaqui Indians but the boy
+ranchers trailed them into the mountains and effected the rescue.
+
+5. THE BOY RANCHERS AT SPUR CREEK _or Fighting the Sheep Herders_
+
+Dangerous struggle against desperadoes for land rights brings out heroic
+adventures.
+
+6. THE BOY RANCHERS IN THE DESERT _or Diamond X and the Lost Mine_
+
+One night a strange old miner almost dead from hunger and hardship
+arrived at the bunk house. The boys cared for him and he told them of
+the lost desert mine.
+
+7. THE BOY RANCHERS ON ROARING RIVER _or Diamond X and the Chinese
+Smugglers_
+
+The boy ranchers help capture Delton's gang who were engaged in
+smuggling Chinese across the border.
+
+_Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_
+
+
+CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York
+
+
+
+
+THE WEBSTER SERIES
+
+By FRANK V. WEBSTER
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Mr. WEBSTER'S style is very much like that of the boys' favorite author,
+the late lamented Horatio Alger, Jr., but his tales are thoroughly
+up-to-date.
+
+Cloth. 12mo. Over 200 pages each. Illustrated. Stamped in various
+colors.
+
+Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid.
+
+  Only A Farm Boy _or Dan Hardy's Rise in Life_
+  The Boy From The Ranch _or Roy Bradner's City Experiences_
+  The Young Treasure Hunter _or Fred Stanley's Trip to Alaska_
+  The Boy Pilot of the Lakes _or Nat Morton's Perils_
+  Tom The Telephone Boy _or The Mystery of a Message_
+  Bob The Castaway _or The Wreck of the Eagle_
+  The Newsboy Partners _or Who Was Dick Box_?
+  Two Boy Gold Miners _or Lost in the Mountains_
+  The Young Firemen of Lakeville _or Herbert Dare's Pluck_
+  The Boys of Bellwood School _or Frank Jordan's Triumph_
+  Jack the Runaway _or On the Road with a Circus_
+  Bob Chester's Grit _or From Ranch to Riches_
+  Airship Andy _or The Luck of a Brave Boy_
+  High School Rivals _or Fred Markham's Struggles_
+  Darry The Life Saver _or The Heroes of the Coast_
+  Dick The Bank Boy _or A Missing Fortune_
+  Ben Hardy's Flying Machine _or Making a Record for Himself_
+  Harry Watson's High School Days _or The Rivals of Rivertown_
+  Comrades of the Saddle _or The Young Rough Riders of the Plains_
+  Tom Taylor at West Point _or The Old Army Officer's Secret_
+  The Boy Scouts of Lennox _or Hiking Over Big Bear Mountain_
+  The Boys of the Wireless _or a Stirring Rescue from the Deep_
+  Cowboy Dave _or The Round-up at Rolling River_
+  Jack of the Pony Express _or The Young Rider of the Mountain Trail_
+  The Boys of the Battleship _or For the Honor of Uncle Sam_
+
+
+CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+The Boy Hunters Series
+
+By Captain Ralph Bonehill
+
+12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, $1.00, postpaid.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+FOUR BOY HUNTERS _Or, The Outing of the Gun Club_
+
+A fine, breezy story of the woods and waters, of adventures in search of
+game, and of great times around the campfire, told in Captain Bonehill's
+best style. In the book are given full directions for camping out.
+
+GUNS AND SNOWSHOES _Or, The Winter Outing of the Young Hunters_
+
+In this volume the young hunters leave home for a winter outing on the
+shores of a small lake. They hunt and trap to their hearts' content, and
+have adventures in plenty, all calculated to make boys "sit up and take
+notice." A good healthy book; one with the odor of the pine forests and
+the glare of the welcome campfire in every chapter.
+
+YOUNG HUNTERS OF THE LAKE _Or, Out with Rod and Gun_
+
+Another tale of woods and waters, with some strong hunting scenes and a
+good deal of mystery. The three volumes make a splendid outdoor series.
+
+OUT WITH GUN AND CAMERA _Or, The Boy Hunters in the Mountains_
+
+Takes up the new fad of photographing wild animals as well as shooting
+them. An escaped circus chimpanzee and an escaped lion add to the
+interest of the narrative.
+
+
+CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE MOTOR BOYS SERIES
+
+BY CLARENCE YOUNG
+
+_12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, $1.00, postpaid_
+
+[Illustration]
+
+  THE MOTOR BOYS _or Chums Through Thick and Thin_
+  THE MOTOR BOYS OVERLAND _or A Long Trip for Fun and Fortune_
+  THE MOTOR BOYS IN MEXICO _or The Secret of the Buried City_
+  THE MOTOR BOYS ACROSS THE PLAINS _or The Hermit of Lost Lake_
+  THE MOTOR BOYS AFLOAT _or The Cruise of the Dartaway_
+  THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE ATLANTIC _or The Mystery of the Lighthouse_
+  THE MOTOR BOYS IN STRANGE WATERS _or Lost in a Floating Forest_
+  THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE PACIFIC _or The Young Derelict Hunters_
+  THE MOTOR BOYS IN THE CLOUDS _or A Trip for Fame and Fortune_
+  THE MOTOR BOYS OVER THE ROCKIES _or A Mystery of the Air_
+  THE MOTOR BOYS OVER THE OCEAN _or A Marvelous Rescue in Mid-Air_
+  THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE WING _or Seeking the Airship Treasure_
+  THE MOTOR BOYS AFTER A FORTUNE _or The Hut on Snake Island_
+  THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE BORDER _or Sixty Nuggets of Gold_
+  THE MOTOR BOYS UNDER THE SEA _or From Airship to Submarine_
+  THE MOTOR BOYS ON ROAD AND RIVER _or Racing to Save a Life_
+  THE MOTOR BOYS AT BOXWOOD HALL _or Ned, Bob and Jerry as Freshmen_
+  THE MOTOR BOYS ON A RANCH _or Ned, Bob and Jerry Among the Cowboys_
+  THE MOTOR BOYS IN THE ARMY _or Ned, Bob and Jerry as Volunteers_
+  THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE FIRING LINE _or Ned, Bob and Jerry Fighting for
+    Uncle Sam_
+  THE MOTOR BOYS BOUND FOR HOME _or Ned, Bob and Jerry on the Wrecked
+    Troopship_
+  THE MOTOR BOYS ON THUNDER MOUNTAIN _or The Treasure Box of Blue Rock_
+
+
+CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY. Publishers New York
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SADDLE BOYS IN THE GRAND
+CANYON***
+
+
+******* This file should be named 21841.txt or 21841.zip *******
+
+
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/1/8/4/21841
+
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://www.gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+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
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit:
+https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
diff --git a/21841.zip b/21841.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..97c227c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/21841.zip
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..680017a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #21841 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/21841)
author	Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org>	2025-10-15 01:46:11 -0700
committer	Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org>	2025-10-15 01:46:11 -0700
commit	65b1ddf6e5ef069cea826bd197bbbf5bc7ad5858 (patch)
tree	4e746188dcea99ec4f5ab043c7404a0e96d59057