that you're certainly the greatest marksman in the
world. You're so great that there's no occasion to be modest about it.
It's evident to anybody that you're the best on all this round globe."

The Little Giant said nothing, but in the dim light Will saw his face
flush with gratification.

"The stars are still gathering," said the lad, "and every minute there
is more light on the mountains. Suppose we take advantage of Tom's
double hint and make at once for the higher ridges."

"We can do so," said Boyd. "It's not so dark now that we can't see the
way, and if they still have any notion of besieging us we may be hours
ahead before they discover our absence. Will, you talk a little to the
animals and loose the lariats, while Giant and I watch here. Then we'll
join you and make the start."

Will was among the horses and mules in an instant, stroking them,
whispering to them, and soothing them. He was also half through with the
task of replacing the packs when Boyd and Bent came. The rest done, they
started up the steep natural trail, fortunately hidden at that point
from any watchers below. Boyd led, picking the way, Will was among the
animals and the Little Giant, with the rifle that never missed, covered
the rear.

Higher and higher they went, and, when day broke, they were once more in
the scrub pines and cedars, with a cold wind blowing and nipping at
their ears and noses. But Boyd, who went far back on the trail, could
discover no sign of Felton's band, and they concluded to make camp.

"We've all been tried enough for one night," said Boyd. "Men, horses
and mules alike need fresh breath and new nerves."

But before they could find a suitable place it began to rain, not a
sweeping storm, but the cold, penetrating drizzle of great heights. Now
their bearskin coats protected them in part, but the animals shivered,
and the way became so slippery that they had to advance on those heights
with exceeding caution and slowness. The rain soon turned to snow, and
then back to rain again, but the happy temperament of the Little Giant
was able to extract consolation from it.

"Snow and rain together will hide what trace of a trail we may leave,"
he said. "Ef this keeps up, Felton and his gang will never be able to
find us again."

Despite the great dangers of the advance they pushed on upward until
they came to a region that Will believed must be above the clouds. At
least, it was free there from both rain and snow, an