hat danger
was likely to break upon them at any time, and they did not mean to be
caught unprepared. Neither spoke as they cautiously climbed the ridge,
like a couple of Indian scouts on the alert for the first appearance of
peril.

But they reached the crest of the slight elevation without having heard
anything more of that which had alarmed them. The next moment, however,
both caught the dim outlines of a large animal moving slowly from them.
Before they were certain of its identity the creature neighed, as if
frightened by the stealthy approach of the youths.

"It's a horse!" exclaimed Fred, who, suspecting the whole truth, moved
over the ridge and called, in a coaxing voice:

"Dick! Come here, Dick!"

The animal stopped, looked inquiringly around, and then came forward
with a pleased whinny. He was Fred's pony, and, brief as their
acquaintance had been, recognized his voice. Fred stroked his nose and
patted his neck, and the horse showed his pleasure at receiving the
endearments.

When the youths made their halt and cooked their supper they were on the
edge of the grassy plateau for which they were hunting, and whose
features they would have been quick to recognize were the sun shining.
Soon after, Jack's pony came out of the gloom as if to claim attention,
and he received it.

"We are more fortunate than I dared hope," said Jack; "here we are at
home, after all. I wonder whether Hank is ahead of us?"

This was unlikely, since, if he had reached the spot fixed upon as their
headquarters, he would have kindled a fire, whereas it was dark in every
direction. The partial cavern was on the other side of the plateau, and
the boys walked rapidly to it, the route being clear, now that they had
located themselves.

They appreciated the wisdom of Hank, who had made them help gather
enough firewood to last through the night. He said (what proved to be
the fact) that they were not likely to return till late, when it would
be hard to collect the right kind of fuel.

In a brief while a second fire was under way. It was started in front of
the cavern, which was of so slight extent that it received and held much
of the warmth. Seated within the opening, with their heavy blankets
wrapped about them, the boys were thoroughly comfortable. They had met
with enough stirring adventure and had had sufficient rough experience
to make the rest highly acceptable. They naturally wondered when nine
o'clock passed without bringing