He was beginning to shudder every
minute or so. They were up the side of the mountain a considerable
distance; and after the electrical storm the air had changed from hot
to cold.

Time passed very slowly. Every now and then the boys would go through
that motion of slapping their arms across their chests; and it never
failed to start the chilled blood into new life.

"Was there ever such a long night?" groaned Gob, as he stretched his
neck for the thirtieth time to look up at the narrow strip of sky that
could be seen between the overhanging walls of the canyon, in hopes of
discovering signs of the coming dawn.

"It won't be long now," said Frank, who carried a little watch along
with him, and had several times struck a match to consult its face.
"One good thing, Bob; it has cleared up. You can see the stars
overhead."

"Yes, and how bright they look from here in this black hole. How long
did you say now, Frank?" asked the anxious and weary Bob, yawning.

"Half an hour ought to see us through, and bring daylight."

"But Frank, that river is still running below us. However in the wide
world will we get out of this?" asked Bob.

"No use crossing till you get to the bridge," laughed Frank. "Just you
make up your mind there's going to be some way open for us to get out
of this. And if the worst comes, I'm a boss swimmer, remember, Bob."

After another spell of waiting the Kentucky lad cried out:

"I believe it's getting light! Yes, you can see things now that were
hid before!"

The morning came. Overhead the sun shone, for they could see that the
sky was clear. And looking down they saw the rushing torrent that had
not filled the bed of the canyon for perhaps centuries back.

When another hour had elapsed Bob began to grow impatient, and
suggested various wild schemes for getting out of the difficulty. To
all of these Frank shook his head. He himself was considering
something, when he suddenly lifted his head as though listening.

"Some one shouting up yonder!" exclaimed Bob, pointing upward to the
top of the canyon wall; whereupon Frank seized upon his gun, and fired
several shots in rapid succession.

Then came answering shouts, upon which Frank repeated his signal for
help.

"They hear you; they're coming closer! Oh! Frank, I believe that's
Old Hank Coombs hollering!" exclaimed the excited Bob.

"Hello! down there, air ye all safe?" came a hail; and looking up the
two boys on the shelf