d have ceased.

As he painfully trudged along, his thoughts reverted to his climb up the
side of the canyon and he shuddered; for, now that it was over, he could
not comprehend how he dared ever make the effort. Not for the world
would he repeat it, even by daylight.

"Heaven brought me safely through," was his grateful thought.

But as he drew near the plateau his musings turned thither. He had
counted upon finding Jack Dudley and the guide there; but they might be
miles away, and he would not see them for days. He knew he needed
attention from his friends and could not sustain himself much longer. If
he should be unable to find them----

But all these gloomy forebodings were scattered a few minutes later by
the glimmer of the camp-fire on the other side of the plateau. One of
his friends at least must be there, and providentially it proved that
both were present.

CHAPTER XXI.

HOW IT ALL ENDED.

At last the clothing of Jack Dudley was dried, and he felt thoroughly
comfortable in body. While he was employed in the pleasant task, Hank
Hazletine went away in quest of food. It took time and hard work to find
it, but his remarkable skill as a hunter enabled him to do so, and when
he returned he brought enough venison to serve for the evening and
morning meal. No professor of the culinary art could have prepared the
meat more excellently than he over the bed of live coals. The odor was
so appetizing that the youth was in misery because of his impatience,
but the guide would not let him touch a mouthful until the food was done
"to the queen's taste." Then they had their feast.

And yet the two were oppressed by thoughts of the absent one. The
attempts of his friends during the day to help or to get trace of Fred
Greenwood had been brought to naught, and it looked as if they would
have to consent to the humiliating terms of Tozer and Motoza, with
strong probability that the missing youth was never again to be seen
alive.

"I think, Hank," said Jack, when the cowman had lit his pipe, "that we
should run no more risks."

"How can we help it?"

"When you meet Tozer to-morrow morning by appointment, tell him the
price he asks will be paid, but everything must be square and above
board."

The guide looked at his companion a moment in silence. Then he said:

"If you'll turn the matter over in your mind, younker, you'll see that
this bus'ness can't be put through without giving the scamps the chance
to swi