tly turning over
some scheme in his mind.

Had he been alone he would have given no further attention to the signs,
which might mean nothing or a good deal, for he felt able to take care
of himself, no matter in what situation he was placed; but he considered
that to a large extent the safety of the two boys, who were totally
without experience in these solitudes, rested upon him. He must take no
chances that were avoidable.

"Younkers," he suddenly said, rousing himself, "I must larn more 'bout
this bus'ness; I'm off; don't go so fur from this place that you can't
git back to-night; I'll be here and have some news fur you."

And with this parting he strode across the plateau on his way deeper
into the mountains.

CHAPTER XI.

A KING OF THE FOREST.

The boys remained standing at the mouth of the cavern until the guide
disappeared on the other side of the little plateau. Then they looked at
each other and smiled.

"Well, it appears that we are to have another day to ourselves," said
Jack; "and we can't gain anything by waiting, so let's be off."

Nothing could be more satisfactory to Fred, and the two took nearly the
same course as their friend, who passed from sight but a short time
before. They had no intention, however, of following him, for that would
have been displeasing to the veteran, who, had he desired their company,
would have asked for it.

Without any definite object in mind, they took substantially the route
of the previous afternoon. Sooner than they anticipated, they found
themselves on the margin of the canyon that had been the scene of so
stirring an experience, but the point where they reached it was deeper
in the mountains.

"Jack, we can't be very far from that break that Hank spoke of; let's
hunt it up."

"I am willing; but before we do so we'll peep over the side, to see
whether he or anyone else is there."

No change was to be noted in the appearance of the tiny stream at the
enormous depth, but neither friend nor stranger was in sight. They did
not expect to see any one, and began moving along the side of the
stupendous fissure in their search for the place where Hank had entered
it. From what he said it could not be far off, but they were
disappointed before reaching the right point. A gradual descent of the
sides was notable, and continued until the depth of the canyon was
decreased one-half, while the roar became more audible.

"We can't be far from the break," said J